tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226861082018-03-06T05:25:11.738-05:00The Watcher (TheWatcher.ca)A look at the media world through the eyes of veteran Canadian TV columnist Eric Kohanik.Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10191545917258430060noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-64693166955563148652014-06-01T07:00:00.000-04:002014-06-01T07:00:00.444-04:00Defiance returns<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5JIbZGAFGk/U4fCKuQ5IYI/AAAAAAAAAPg/BvEcB4vMUTo/s1600/201406-ChannelGuide-June-Defiance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5JIbZGAFGk/U4fCKuQ5IYI/AAAAAAAAAPg/BvEcB4vMUTo/s1600/201406-ChannelGuide-June-Defiance.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />DEFIANCE<br />Showcase -- Thursdays, beginning June 19</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Defiance</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Julie Benz Gets Set To Take<br />Her Character Down <br />A Darker Path As "Defiance"<br />Rolls Out Its Second Season</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Somehow, the future never seems to be pretty in the world of science-fiction TV shows. And Julie Benz says there are good reasons for that. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I think, with the sci-fi genre, we're able to explore issues that we're all faced with today,” the 42-year-old actress points out. “We're able to explore them in a deeper, darker way.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Benz is no stranger to the deeper, darker realm of the horror/thriller/sci-fi genre. Perhaps still best known for her role as Rita on <i>Dexter</i>, her TV credits also include such other gems as <i>Roswell</i>, <i>Supernatural</i>, <i>Buffy The Vampire Slayer</i> and <i>Buffy</i>'s spinoff/sequel, <i>Angel</i>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I love working in 'genre' material, I really do,” says Benz. “The given circumstances are so extreme that they really challenge you, as an actor, to bring them to life and make them believable. And that is exciting.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Benz's most recent “genre TV” job has been in Showcase's sci-fi adventure, <i>Defiance</i>. Filmed in Toronto, the series is set in a radically transformed Earth in the not-too-distant future, where the city of St. Louis has been renamed as Defiance, a town where humans and extraterrestrial species manage to live side by side. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Much of the core action in <i>Defiance</i> revolves around Joshua Nolan, played by New Zealand native Grant Bowler. Nolan is a former marine who became the town's chief lawkeeper during the show's first season. At Nolan's side for much of the show has been his adopted alien daughter, Irisa, played by English actress Stephanie Leonidas. Others in the cast include Canadian actors Graham Greene and Jesse Rath.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Pittsburgh-born Benz plays Amanda Rosewater, the mayor of Defiance who ended up losing her bid for re-election as the series wrapped up its first season. The show's season finale also saw the disappearance of Irisa, as well as Amanda's sister, Kenya (Canadian actress Mia Kirshner). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">According to Showcase, <i>Defiance</i> was the channel's No. 1 program in 2013. The series kicks off its second season on June 19 (moving to Thursday nights this season), with the residents of Defiance in turmoil in the aftermath of the town election. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Meanwhile, Nolan is out in the badlands on a quest to find the missing Irisa, a storyline that the show's producers have already been priming viewers for online (on Showcase.ca), via five “webisodes” entitled <i>Defiance: The Lost Ones</i>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As the new season of <i>Defiance</i> opens, Amanda is setting off on a journey of her own as well, embarking on “a much darker path,” according to Benz. “Amanda starts in a completely different place than where she ended at the end of Season 1,” she explains. “Her sister disappeared. She lost her job. And she has to redefine herself in a town that is redefining itself. It's nine months later and she's really struggling. She's having a hard time. You get to see her start to unravel a bit.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Although Amanda is no longer the mayor of Defiance, that won't necessarily keep her out of the political scene. “I don't think Amanda could ever be separated from the town,” Benz laughs. “I think the town is always a part of her. Her love for the town of Defiance is always going to be present, no matter what role she has in the town. I don't think she could ever fully be away from the politics of the town.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Benz has been pleased with the fan response to the first season of <i>Defiance</i>. She has also been pleased with her character's journey on the show. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I love Amanda's strength,” says Benz. “And that she's still feminine but very strong. She is basically surviving in a very masculine world. Even though she's the heroine, she's not perfect. She's deeply flawed. She's an alcoholic. She obviously has commitment issues. She's very controlling. Sometimes, her idealism gets in the way. She's extremely flawed, but she's still a woman. We don't really see many female characters that can be as flawed as she is and still be loved.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Defiance – Showcase – Thursdays, beginning June 19</div></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(Published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> -- June 2014.)</div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-13041864057512764162014-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-01T06:00:01.189-04:00The MMVAs Celebrate Their 25th Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmad5gM8Enk/U4fJSU8iiuI/AAAAAAAAAPw/hxsUs2LrnlE/s1600/201406-ChannelGuide-June-MMVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmad5gM8Enk/U4fJSU8iiuI/AAAAAAAAAPw/hxsUs2LrnlE/s1600/201406-ChannelGuide-June-MMVA.jpg" height="320" width="129" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />THE 2014 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS<br />Much, CTV -- June 15</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Street Party</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CTV Hops On Much's Bandwagon<br />As The MMVAs Celebrate<br />Their 25th Anniversary</span></span><br /><br />By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style> <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When it comes to star-studded street parties, there aren't many in Canada that are as rousing – or as rockin' – as the one MuchMusic has been throwing year after year in downtown Toronto. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In fact, the <i>MuchMusic Video Awards</i>have been partying on for an incredible quarter of a century. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Every June, multitudes of exuberant music fans flock to the corner of Queen and John Streets to get a close-up look as MuchMusic cranks up the energy – and unleashes big-time star power – at its annual celebration. This year's 25th-anniversary edition of the MMVAs hits MuchMusic on June 15. And, as usual, viewers will get primed beforehand with the <i>MMVA Red Carpet Special</i>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For the first time, though, the cable channel's corporate cousin, CTV, is jumping on the bandwagon, simulcasting this year's entire extravaganza live from coast to coast on its broadcast network, as well as on its CTV GO mobile app. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“It's a really great opportunity to put the show on a bigger platform,” says Sheila Sullivan, the longtime executive producer of the MMVA telecast. “That's great for the artists. It's great for the Much brand. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“The great thing about it is the CTV simulcast will ensure [that] millions of music fans – who might not have ever had the opportunity to watch the MMVAs on Much – can now watch it on CTV. It opens the MMVAs up to an entirely new, broadened audience, which is just perfect. The more people that can tune in and see this street-party spectacle, the better.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This year's anniversary show will have “a nod” to previous MMVAs, but it won't dwell on the past. “It won't be too nostalgic,” Sullivan promises. Instead, viewers can count on a show featuring some of the music world's biggest names as performers. There will also be a stellar lineup of presenters to do their usual thing, as well as adding a few surprises. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I've done enough [MMVAs] to remember most of the exciting things that have happened during the show over the years,” says Sullivan. Past years have had their share of dazzling moments, ranging from Lady Gaga's bra-shooting fireworks to Flo Rida making his way onto the MMVA stage via zip-line. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Sullivan and her team are still busily assembling this year's final list of performers and presenters – a task that has been ongoing since last fall. “We start talking to labels and to talent in the fall so that we can get it on the calendars of artists that we're hoping will come to the show to perform,” Sullivan explains. “We want to be on their calendars first. We're looking for the biggest and the best names. We are looking to give our audience exactly what they want to hear.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Apart from the talent lineup, Sullivan says there is one other big challenge to putting on the MMVAs every year – the show's outdoor setting. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“When you're indoors, you can rehearse all day long in the dark,” Sullivan points out. “We can rehearse only from 9:30 to 11:30 because, at 9:30, it's finally dark and we can see what it's going to look like on TV. But, at 11:30, we have a noise curfew. And the weather, of course, is a big concern.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Although storms have dampened some MMVA celebrations, the show has had surprisingly good luck with the weather over the past 25 years. “We have – and it's going to happen again this year, for sure!” Sullivan insists, knocking on wood. “I wish it was something I actually did have more control over.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Sullivan does have control of the show, though, and she remains confident that it will be bigger and better than ever. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“We do try and take our production value to another level each year, as well as trying to ensure that we're featuring artists who our audience is listening to and loving right at this moment,” Sullivan stresses. “And that's certainly what we'll be aiming to do again this year.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The 2014 MuchMusic Video Awards – Much, CTV – June 15 </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(Published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> -- June 2014.)</div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-72470982334589290052014-05-01T06:30:00.000-04:002014-05-01T06:30:00.930-04:00Unusually Thicke<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHjKm6rUCiQ/U12I--a0l6I/AAAAAAAAAKs/TaS8B34zBa0/s1600/201405-ChannelGuide-May-Thicke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHjKm6rUCiQ/U12I--a0l6I/AAAAAAAAAKs/TaS8B34zBa0/s1600/201405-ChannelGuide-May-Thicke.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />UNUSUALLY THICKE<br />Slice -- Wednesdays</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Unusually Thicke</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alan Thicke Offers Viewers&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Peek Behind The Curtain</span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Alan Thicke likes to keep busy. And he has come up with lots of ways to do that. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I describe it as a 'productive insecurity,'” the 67-year-old native of Kirkland Lake, Ont. jokes over the telephone from his ranch in Santa Barbara, Calif. “You don't wait for the phone to ring. You have to be proactive and you go out and try to create things. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“My background was as a writer. That was the first thing that I was really able to make a living at. Consequently, I've always been able to create some credible pitch or idea that would, at the very least, garner some meetings and put you in the right offices. I never took it for granted that I could be in the gym or by the pool and get 'that call.' I was out promoting and creating. And much of what I tried to do in that vein, fortuitously, got green-lighted. So, it's given me a good life.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thicke's accomplishments are numerous, ranging from credits as a writer (<i>Fernwood 2-Night</i>), game-show host (<i>Pictionary</i>) and talk-show emcee (<i>The Alan Thicke Show</i>, <i>Thicke of the Night</i>) to theme-song composer (<i>Diff'rent Strokes</i>, <i>The Facts of Life</i>), sitcom actor (<i>Growing Pains</i>, <i>Hope &amp; Gloria</i>, <i>How I Met Your Mother</i>) and even reality-show participant (<i>Celebrity Wife Swap</i>). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thicke's latest idea goes back into the world of reality shows – or, rather, pseudo-reality shows. He admits that a show capitalizing on the popularity of his son, singer Robin Thicke, would have been “an easy sale,” but he opted for something different: <i>Unusually Thicke, </i>a series for the Slice network in Canada that was also picked up by the TV Guide Network in the U.S. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Although it does feature cameo appearances by Robin as well as Thicke's eldest son, Brennan, <i>Unusually Thicke</i> is a reality/sitcom hybrid about Thicke's day-to-day life with his third wife, 39-year-old Bolivian-born fashion model Tanya Callau. Rounding out the show's core is Carter Thicke, the 16-year-old son from his second marriage. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“We always knew that we had kind of a <i>Modern Family</i> cast here,” Thicke explains. “We had the older, more reserved patriarch. We had the hot Latin wife, decidedly younger. And we had a cool, envelope-pushing teenager. That was the basis for us saying, 'Well, what could we do with this group that would make sense?'” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">According to Thicke, several people were “sniffing around” with reality-show ideas. “We kind of held out for what I thought would be a more original, inventive, challenging format,” he says. “That was to combine the real-family 'cast' with a sitcom format. I thought if we took real stories from our real lives and embellish those in a story-telling format such as a sitcom, then maybe we'd have something that's a little different, a little bit of a hybrid.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The dialogue in <i>Unusually Thicke</i>is not scripted, but episodes are mapped out to enhance storylines. “We had to plan a lot of scenes in order to tell stories instead of just letting stories happen,” Thicke explains. “We wanted to be proactive storytellers, not passive storytellers.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thicke also wanted to set the record straight on his family life. “It really does kind of pull back the curtain on much more of Alan Thicke in real life than Alan Thicke the sitcom actor,” he says. “I think that people who see this family together, some will be surprised. I'm clearly older than my wife and we deal with things and have situations which are not typical. Our age difference does create challenges. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I like to think that I'm grounded enough from my family history in Kirkland Lake to appreciate where I came from and try to teach my kids that sense of normalcy or decency or gratitude. But we are clearly living the good life here and I think part of the challenge here is how you balance all of those opportunities and influences.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Unusually Thicke – Slice – Wednesdays</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> -- May 2014.)</div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-22699735335619696772014-05-01T06:00:00.000-04:002014-05-01T06:00:01.471-04:00Colin & Justin's Cabin Pressure<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPMr8NwF_C8/U118OptQSDI/AAAAAAAAAKc/MCbTEoelTng/s1600/201405-ChannelGuide-May-ColinJustin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPMr8NwF_C8/U118OptQSDI/AAAAAAAAAKc/MCbTEoelTng/s1600/201405-ChannelGuide-May-ColinJustin.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />COLIN &amp; JUSTIN'S CABIN PRESSURE<br />Cottage Life Television -- Tuesdays</span></span></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(Cottage Life Television's national free preview<br />continues until May 31.)</div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Northern Exposure</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Colin &amp; Justin's Cabin Pressure" Takes The Scottish Design Duo To New Highs (And Lows)&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Eastern Canadians tend to call them cottages; Westerners tend to refer to them as cabins.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">By any name, though, there are common elements. Vacation homes can be fabulous. They can also mean a lot of unexpected work – and expense.<br />Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan have certainly discovered that in their latest TV adventure. Although May usually heralds the opening of cottage season across Canada, McAllister and Ryan have already been priming viewers steadily since mid-March via <i>Colin &amp; Justin's Cabin Pressure</i>, a sometimes-misadventurous joyride into the world of cottage ownership.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Canadians have been familiar with the 46-year-old McAllister and the 47-year-old Ryan through various avenues. Longtime fixtures on British TV, the Scottish design duo brought their flair to North America a few years ago, using Canada as the production base for an HGTV series called <i>Colin &amp; Justin's Home Heist</i>. That led to “Colin &amp; Justin Home,” a line of housewares and lifestyle products that have found shelf space in Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls stores across Canada.&nbsp; </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The merry Scotsmen now have their focus back on Canadian TV screens. This time, though, that focus has migrated north.<i> Colin &amp; Justin's Cabin Pressure</i>follows McAllister and Ryan to the shores of Ontario's Lake Muskoka, where they took the considerable plunge of buying (with the help of close friends named Cherri and David) and renovating a log-cabin-style cottage into a dream vacation home. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“It's been a total labour of love,” McAlister says. “Looking back on it, we're just so, so excited. You own a cottage and you just become so invested in it. And I think that's something that Justin and I are very keen to get across on the show.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Already familiar with the posh Muskoka region from previous vacations, McAllister and Ryan opted to pool their financial resources with their friends in order to buy in. After attending a Cottage Life consumer/trade show in Toronto to learn about cottage ownership, they ended up appearing at a subsequent edition of that show to talk about their plans. That, in turn, led the fledgling Cottage Life television network to approach McAllister and Ryan about chronicling their journey on TV. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“It was one of those things that happened,” says Ryan. “We didn't desperately go out and chase it; it just kind of landed in our lap. And it made a lot of sense.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Adds McAllister: “If you're looking for sports, you go to a sports channel. We loved <i>Cottage Life</i>magazine. It is so beloved in Canada as one of those great brands. It just felt right.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Filmed last year, <i>Colin &amp; Justin's Cabin Pressure</i> follows the pair as they uncover one surprise after another. Although their cottage seemed perfect and in no need of repair at first, that soon changed. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“What we found out was that what we thought [was] a 'beauty queen' cottage was absolutely nothing short of being a pig in lipstick,” Ryan concedes. “Everything we thought we were buying was rotted. Everything we wanted to have in the cottage was falling apart." <br />Although the 13-episode series is about half-way through their reno project, <i>Colin and Justin's Cabin Pressure</i> still has plenty more in store for viewers as the real-life cottage season gets rolling in the weeks ahead. Still, cottage life “is not all fun and games,” says McAllister. “Thankfully, there are more highs than lows. And, at the end of it, there is a pot of gold!” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Colin &amp; Justin's Cabin Pressure – Cottage Life – Tuesdays</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(Cottage Life's national free preview continues until May 31.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <span style="font-style: italic;">Channel Guide Magazine</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span>- May 2014)<br /><br /><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-20123117656039451232014-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:002014-04-30T06:00:00.778-04:00Go ahead: Play The Canadian Open at Glen Abbey<br />Today is Opening Day at the world-famous Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ontario. And, although the weather isn't exactly co-operating today, things are bound to get better. So, let's revisit a few tips now in order to prepare you for your upcoming visit to Glen Abbey.<br />(First published in <i>The Hamilton Spectator</i>, July 26, 2013.)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyBXQDL8brM/U15kJBX4T7I/AAAAAAAAAMM/iDieGdfmVAw/s1600/20130726-HamiltonSpectator.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyBXQDL8brM/U15kJBX4T7I/AAAAAAAAAMM/iDieGdfmVAw/s1600/20130726-HamiltonSpectator.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">The Right Way To Play&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">The Canadian Open</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A starter's perspective on&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the ins and outs of Glen Abbey</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Eric Kohanik </span></span></span> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Special to The Hamilton Spectator&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome to Glen Abbey. My name is Eric and I'm your Starter today. You're going to have a great time.” </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For five seasons, I've used those words to introduce countless guests to the first tee of the course that is home to this year's Canadian Open. And as the pros get down to serious competition in Oakville, it should be no surprise that any golfer following the action would get the urge to play the Jack Nicklaus-designed course that is hosting the Open for the 26th time. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a starter and a play coordinator (that's what marshals are called at Glen Abbey), I've encountered players from around the world who have made the pilgrimage to “The Abbey.” Many are thrilled and even awestruck, as if they are standing on the most hallowed ground. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But there are a few things you need to know when you go to play Glen Abbey. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are no white tees, for instance. The red tees play 5,346 yards. The blue tees, at 6,224 yards, are usually challenging enough for beginners and those with double-digit handicaps. The gold tees clock in at 6,622 yards, while the black (pro) tees add up to 7,273 yards. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As for the holes, there's a twist. As in 2009, the front nine holes have been reconfigured for the tournament, so things will look different when you play your version of the Canadian Open at Glen Abbey. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To help you out, here's a quick, starter's guide to the course and some of its most memorable (and difficult) holes: </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 1 (No. 8 at the Open) – Par 5</span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This hole is simply memorable because it's the first hole you'll play at Glen Abbey. First-timers get excited just standing on the tee box, often snapping photos as souvenirs. The hole is often called an "easy" Par 5. The pros play it as a Par 4 during the Open. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 2 (No. 9 at the Open) – Par 4</span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The No. 1 handicap hole has a big tree that comes into play off the tee. It can be tough to reach the green in only two shots. An extra club is a good idea on the approach, thanks to a sand trap at the left front of the green. The green is also smaller than it appears from the fairway.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 3 (No. 7 at the Open) – Par 3 </span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wind comes into play, while bunkers and pin placement on the narrow green can easily spell trouble. The hole doesn't look tough, but the pond between the tee and green gobbles up 15,000 golf balls a year. More than a few have been mine. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 7 (No. 4 at the Open) – Par 3 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another hole over water that looks easy but isn't. If the wind is brisk, it can mean a difference of two or even three clubs. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 9 (No. 6 at the Open) </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A pretty finish to the front nine, this Par 4 is similar to the Par 5 that finishes the back. The fairway slopes toward a pond that is in front of the green, so a long drive can be trouble. The hole is ranked as the third toughest on the course. It's also rated as one of the toughest on the PGA Tour. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 11 – Par 4</span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The second-hardest hole is also Glen Abbey's signature hole, and one of the most picturesque golf holes around. An elevated tee leads you down to the first of five valley holes. From the gold tees, it's about a 220-yard carry reach to the fairway (although the elevation does give your shot extra distance). From the blue and red tees, the perfect shot is usually aimed over a large tree on the left side of the fairway. A wide section of 16 Mile Creek runs in front of the green, so your approach may need a lot of carry, too. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 13 – Par 5 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The mid-way point of the valley, this hole crosses 16 Mile Creek not once but twice. Once you get to the green, things don't necessarily get easier. A deep swale to the left of the green can easily mess up your game.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 14 – Par 4 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ranked as one of the toughest holes on the PGA Tour, this hole plays completely different from the gold and black tees than from the blue and red tees. An undulating green adds to this hole's charm and challenge. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No. 15 </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">– </span></span></span></b>Par 3</b> </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's rated as the easiest hole on the course. Uh-huh. Sure. Depending on the pin placement, the elevated, two-tier green could leave you with one of the toughest putts you'll face.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No. 17 </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">–</span></span></span></b> Par 4</b> </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are 17 sand traps adorning this hole. That's right, 17. Oddly enough, the tee shot from the golds actually seems easier than from the blues. A funky, U-shaped green can cap off this adventurous hole in a unique way.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 18 – Par 5 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This the home of the famed Tiger Trap, which led to a shot by Tiger Woods during the 2000 Canadian Open that still ranks as one of the most famous in golf history. No wonder a lot of first-time visitors throw a ball in there to try out their 6-irons.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, there you have it: a guide to your own version of the Canadian Open. Of course, there are a number of other things every starter will tell you when you play Glen Abbey – things like repairing ball marks on greens, replacing or filling divots on the fairways and always making sure you keep up with the group ahead of you. But then, we'll save those for when you actually get there.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eric Kohanik is a freelance writer and former Spectator reporter.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(First published in <i>The Hamilton Spectator </i>- July 26, 2013.)</span></span></span><br /><br />Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-66879870438998314942014-04-01T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-28T16:03:23.972-04:00Andrea Martin in "Working The Engels"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhHqTtttZXM/U12QRRDM2iI/AAAAAAAAALc/UVcj4JMpe40/s1600/201404-ChannelGuide-Engels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhHqTtttZXM/U12QRRDM2iI/AAAAAAAAALc/UVcj4JMpe40/s1600/201404-ChannelGuide-Engels.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />WORKING THE ENGELS<br />Global -- Wednesdays</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">On Set With "The Engels"</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrea Martin Is Playing Things</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">For Laughs Again</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn't happen as often anymore. Every once in a while, though, people still come up and tell Andrea Martin they're surprised she isn't actually a Canadian. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It used to happen a lot more,” the 67-year-old Martin concedes. “I have a house in Toronto. And my kids were born here. And my career started here, really. I guess I'm a 'landed immigrant.' I consider myself to be a 'North American.' I feel privileged to have worked all over North America.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Born in Maine, Martin has been surrounded by Canadians for years. She got her big break in Toronto in a 1972 stage production of <i>Godspell </i>that featured such Canadians as Eugene Levy, Victor Garber, Martin Short and Paul Shaffer. After that, she worked with the likes of Dave Thomas and John Candy in the Toronto chapter of Second City. That, in turn, led to a sketch-comedy series called <i>SCTV: Second City Television</i>, where Martin's roster of characters most notably included the indomitable Edith Prickley. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />It's been almost 40 years since <i>SCTV</i> first hit TV screens. And Martin admits she often looks back fondly. As for a possible <i>SCTV</i> reunion, Martin waves off the idea. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It was a special time,” she reflects. “We are all very protective of what we accomplished then.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Martin has assembled many credits since those days – on TV, in movies and on stage. She is now back on TV in <i>Working The Engels</i>, a comedy series for Global that was also picked up in the U.S. by NBC. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The chance to do TV again was something Martin had been thinking about for a while. “I had spent a lot of time on Broadway doing <i>Pippin</i>,” she says. Her work as the title character's grandmother, Berthe, in the revival of the play won a Tony Award last year for best performance by a featured actress in a musical. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“Before that, I had done my one-woman show on stage,” Martin continues. “Doing all of that for such a long time was exhausting, so I was looking for something different. But I wasn't sure how long I would be able to be in Toronto. Then, this came along and it all worked out.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Working The Engels</i> is a broad comedy that casts Martin as Celia “Ceil” Engel, the matriarch of a family left in the lurch when Ceil's husband dies and leaves his law firm without a leader. Fortunately for Ceil, her youngest daughter, Jenna (Kacey Rohl), is qualified to run the practice. Unfortunately for Jenna, Ceil insists on working there, too. So do Jenna's pill-popping sister (Azura Skye) and her bad-boy brother (Benjamin Arthur). <style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For Rohl, whose credits include mostly dramatic roles in such series as <i>Hannibal</i> and <i>The Killing</i>, the chance to tackle something comedic was a dream. “There aren't a lot of comedy productions in Vancouver,” the 22-year-old B.C. actress says. As for working with Martin, Rohl beams: “I've been like a sponge. I've learned so much.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Meanwhile, Martin has lots of praise for her co-stars. “The chemistry was there instantly,” she says. </div></div><br />On this particular day, the show is near the half-way point in its 12-episode production schedule. Martin and Skye have been blocking out a hip-hop routine for an episode, improvising something different for every take. In the director's chair, trying to piece it all together, is none other than Jason Priestley. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>Working The Engels</i> also has an impressive guest roster in front of the camera for its debut season. Among the pack: Short, Levy, Jayne Eastwood, Colin Mochrie, Jennifer Irwin and Wendy Crewson.<br /><br />Having familiar friends come back to work with her is something special for Martin.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> <style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08i</style></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><style type="text/css"> </style></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><style type="text/css"> </style>It also makes her feel like things have come full circle.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I feel almost like I've gone back to the beginning of my career,” Martin smiles. “We used to shoot <i>SCTV</i> at Global; this is for Global. I used to drive myself to the studio then; I drive myself to the studio now. Not much has changed in 40 years.” </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Working The Engels – Global – Wednesdays&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> -- April 2014.)<br /><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-87497144988530305002014-04-01T06:30:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:56:37.334-04:00Paul Campbell stars in Spun Out<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FnXLz2v3T4/U12QR7fArmI/AAAAAAAAALw/l6jAn8cvapI/s1600/201404-ChannelGuide-SpunOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FnXLz2v3T4/U12QR7fArmI/AAAAAAAAALw/l6jAn8cvapI/s1600/201404-ChannelGuide-SpunOut.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />SPUN OUT<br />CTV -- Fridays</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Spun Out</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Star Paul Campbell Hammers Away At His Career -- In More Ways Than One</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Paul Campbell never thought he would be an actor. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“To be perfectly honest, my whole life, I thought I was going to be a carpenter,” the 34-year-old <i>Spun Out </i><span style="font-style: normal;">star explains.</span>“I started right out of high school. I started framing houses. But Vancouver is rainy eight months out of the year, and I got sick of being cold and wet.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Born and raised in B.C., Campbell now divides his time between Canada and Los Angeles. And he likes to display his skills in some surprising ways. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />If you want proof, check out the tongue-in-cheek mini-biography Campbell wrote about himself on IMDb.com. It's a clever entry that claims he made a deal with the Devil when he was 18 to trade his soul for a hammer. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I still can't believe that one slipped by them,” Campbell laughs. “One of the biggest moments of my entire career is getting that bio up on IMDb.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />One of the other big moments right now is <i>Spun Out</i>, a CTV comedy series that revolves around Campbell as a copywriter at a public-relations firm populated by a quirky collection of characters. The show's ensemble includes Al Mukadam, Holly Deveaux, Rebecca Dalton, J. P. Manoux and Darcy Michael. Dave Foley rounds out the cast as the boss of the firm. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“Foley is such a pro,” Campbell says. “He walked into it like he'd been doing it for a million years. He is such a veteran and he is such a great member of the team. Just simply observing him, I probably learned more than I ever could taking any sort of acting classes.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Nevertheless, it was a simple acting class that changed Campbell's career path. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“A friend of mine was taking some acting classes and said, 'Hey, this is really fun. You should come and do this,'” he recalls. “So, I took an acting class and that was it. I went back to work the next week and said, 'Guys, I'm packing up my tools and going to theatre school.' And I did.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Six months after graduation, he landed his first major TV role, in the 2004 reincarnation of <i>Battlestar Galactica</i>. A steady stream of other credits have followed, including roles in NBC's 2008 revival of <i>Knight Rider</i>and a 2011 series for Showcase called <i>Almost Heroes</i>. Although that show was also a comedy, <i>Spun Out</i> is the first TV series Campbell has done in front of a studio audience. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's the first time I've done it for an extended period,” he says. “It really is the most thrilling way to do comedy. What excited me about this project is I love the idea of Canadians making great comedy. There is so much great talent in Canada. I was really, really happy to get on board.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Campbell wasn't on any particular quest to do a sitcom when <i>Spun Out</i> came along. He was basically looking for his next job. “That's the life of an actor,” Campbell points out. “You're always looking for the next thing."&nbsp;</div><br />That hasn't dulled his passion for acting, though. “Every day that I'm on set is my favourite day,” Campbell says. “I've never had a day that I wasn't thrilled to be working, whether it was a dramatic piece or a TV-movie or a big film. It doesn't matter where I am and who I'm working with. I love my job. I love what I do.” <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />That's not to say Campbell has given up carpentry. “I still love woodworking,” he concedes. “I do it all the time.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />In fact, since <i>Spun Out</i> wrapped production on its debut season, Campbell has been honing his craftsmanship down in L.A. “I build furniture,” he says. “And I build custom skateboards for people. Just sort of whatever interests me at the time.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Spun Out – CTV – Fridays</div><br />(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> -- April 2014.) Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-67005649668491620762014-03-27T06:00:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:54:43.229-04:00Bomb Girls: Facing The Enemy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bK5GjtssRy0/U15TRj6gnJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Zlx-8K_nQj4/s1600/BombGirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bK5GjtssRy0/U15TRj6gnJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Zlx-8K_nQj4/s1600/BombGirls.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />BOMB GIRLS: FACING THE ENEMY<br />Global - March 27</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">The Final Chapter</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Those Feisty "Bomb Girls" Wrap Up&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Their Saga With A TV Movie </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>The setting is a mostly empty, 114-year-old building that once housed a fabric mill known as the Imperial Cotton Company in the industrial north end of Hamilton, Ont. On one of the upper floors, part of the vast space has been transformed into a grimy old gymnasium, where a boxing ring is ensconced in plumes of smoke. Inside the ring, two women are duking things out as throngs of beer-swilling, fedora-wearing men cheer them on. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />If it all looks like a moment plucked from some bygone era, that's because it is. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Welcome to <i>Bomb Girls – The Movie</i>, a two-hour production that continues – and wraps up – the storyline of the once-popular Canadian TV series. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Originally designed as a six-episode drama in 2012, <i>Bomb Girls</i> ended up growing to 18 episodes that continued into a second season. The series revolved around a core group of four women – played by Meg Tilly, Jodi Balfour, Ali Liebert and Charlotte Hegele – who worked in a Canadian munitions factory during the Second World War. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The series attracted a dedicated following of fans who cried foul when Global cancelled the show last year. Protests eventually led the network to greenlight a TV-movie to wrap up the saga.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />This particular day of filming finds the tomboyish Betty McRae (Liebert) as one of the two females in the boxing ring. When the stylish Gladys Witham (Balfour) makes an appearance in the crowd and spots Betty, it causes a bit of a distraction, in more ways than one. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />For Balfour, the chance to revive the role of Gladys was one she eagerly awaited. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It feels great,” she says during a break. “We're obviously dealing with a bunch of new subject matter, but it still feels like coming back to familiar territory. There's an element of comfort in coming 'home' and there's a sense of community to the show, which is part of what I love so much about it.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Born and raised in South Africa, Balfour graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2009 before she and her family moved to B.C. Her list of credits includes various TV projects, including a role this season in CBC's political comedy-drama, <i>The Best Laid Plans</i>. Nevertheless, Balfour is still best known for her work as Gladys. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“She's kind of the role of a lifetime, particularly in the way they keep writing her and developing her,” Balfour says. “Every year, I get to tackle a real sense of growth in her. She has so many colours I get to play with – like vulnerability and fear and sensitivity and insecurity. And then I also get to play with a sense of courage. It's a really cool range of things that I get to play, so I count myself lucky.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Written by Donald Martin and directed by Jerry Ciccoritti, <i>Bomb Girls: Facing The Enemy</i> picks up the storyline six months after the events at the conclusion of the series. There have been changes in all of the women's lives. In some cases, the changes are significant.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's bit of a tricky time for Gladys,” Balfour explains. “She is longing to see her best friend. And, you know, the central theme of Gladys' life is this inescapable loneliness that she deals with a lot of the time.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />While the primary purpose of <i>Bomb Girls: Facing The Enemy</i> is to tie up loose ends from the series, it also takes the show's plot a bit further. And that thrilled Balfour and her castmates. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“We were obviously all really sad when the show was cancelled but very aware of how lucky we are to get to do this,” Balfour points out. “I think many shows see themselves being cancelled and don't get this opportunity. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It not only serves us an opportunity to tell the story some more, but also serves us an opportunity to get a little bit of closure, for us as well as for the audience. It's a nice opportunity to get to see everyone one more time.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Bomb Girls: Facing The Enemy – Global – March 27</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(A portion of this story was published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - April 2014.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-52094384162896650742014-03-01T08:38:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:53:08.974-04:00Enrico Colantoni is back in Remedy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhb4Oz-F7A4/U12QQ6LAV4I/AAAAAAAAALk/CkYGGhxXNNk/s1600/201403-ChannelGuide-Remedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhb4Oz-F7A4/U12QQ6LAV4I/AAAAAAAAALk/CkYGGhxXNNk/s1600/201403-ChannelGuide-Remedy.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />REMEDY<br />Global -- Mondays</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Finding Middle Ground</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enrico Colantoni Straddles The Fence Between&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comedy And Drama In "Remedy" </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Enrico Colantoni admits he sometimes feels out of place when it comes to his career. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I am still a man without a home,” the 51-year-old actor half-jokes inside his dressing-room trailer in downtown Toronto. “I have kids in Los Angeles. I have parents in Italy. But right now, there's nothing more rewarding than feeling appreciated by the people that I was born into. I was born in Canada. There's something huge about that. I don't think I would have done it any differently.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Born in Toronto, Colantoni graduated from the Yale School of Drama in the U.S. and carved out a career in American television, from such comedies as <i>Hope &amp; Gloria</i>and <i>Just Shoot Me!</i> to dramas including <i>Veronica Mars </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><i>Person of Interest</i>. But it was his five-year stint back in Canada, as tactical-police-squad sergeant Greg Parker on CTV's <i>Flashpoint</i>, that added another twist. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“Parker was fantastic. He was wonderful to play,” Colantoni recalls. “But after leaving that show, all I yearned for was something a little lighter.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Longing for stuff on the other side of the fence isn't new for Colantoni. “I like exactly what I'm <i>not</i>doing in the moment,” he concedes. “A day didn't go by on <i>Just Shoot Me!</i> where I wouldn't go, 'I want to do something dramatic, single camera.' The good thing is I always get what I ask for.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Colantoni figures he has found a good compromise in a new Global series called <i>Remedy.</i><span style="font-style: normal;">The show</span> revolves around fictional Bethune General Hospital, where the adventures of those interacting on the upper floors of the hospital occasionally intersect with the misadventures that occur in the basement of the building. Colantoni tops the ensemble as Dr. Allen Conner, the chief of staff who spends most days on the upper decks of Bethune General. At the opposite end is Frank Kanaskie (Patrick McKenna), who works in the basement as the supervisor of transport and housekeeping. </div><br />“There's a lot of an <i>Upstairs, Downstairs</i> dynamic to this show,” Colantoni says. “That's the tone of the show when those two worlds meet. Allen is constantly battling two worlds. I think that's what's going to set it apart from other medical dramas.” <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The interactions often have comical consequences, which appealed to Colantoni. “The biggest reason I wanted to do it, from an acting perspective, is that there is comedy in it,” he explains. “It really is a hybrid. It's not the comedy of <i>Just Shoot Me!</i> It's not the drama of <i>Flashpoint</i>. It's right in the middle. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“There's an undertow to this show that makes me laugh. It's either built in with the dynamic of the relationship of the family members or, sometimes, it's just blatant comedy. That's what intrigued me.” Colantoni is also tackling other chores on <i>Remedy</i>; he is directing the sixth episode. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“To be able to see something from that perspective, it turns the light bulb back on,” Colantoni says. “Doors that were closed to me at one time are now open for me on this show. That just makes me feel like I'm welcome, that my opinions have value, that I have a stake in it. It's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“That's why I came back to Canada. I've gotten to play historic figures, heroic figures and, now, I'm allowed to direct an episode of a television show in its first season – in its first season! – which is unheard of and generous beyond everything I've ever experienced. That's what I love about being home. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I'm Canadian again. I'm here. I want to stay,” Colantoni says, and then adds with a smile, “unless somebody wants me back in the States.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Remedy – Global – Mondays</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - March 2014.)<br /><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-58234009526698962102014-03-01T06:00:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:51:26.671-04:00Canadian Screen Awards / Juno Awards<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmFmW1WxO_Q/U12QQhBw2wI/AAAAAAAAALg/w60FCEZ-wmY/s1600/201403-ChannelGuide-Awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmFmW1WxO_Q/U12QQhBw2wI/AAAAAAAAALg/w60FCEZ-wmY/s1600/201403-ChannelGuide-Awards.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />THE 2014 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS<br />CBC - Sunday, March 9&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">THE 2014 JUNO AWARDS&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">CTV - Sunday, March 30</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Move Over, Oscar!</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Canada Gets Set To Roll Out Red Carpets&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">For The Junos And The "Screenies"</span></span><br /><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Down in Hollywood, the Oscars will get the usual lion's share of attention when they hit the tube on March 2. North of the border, though, the lights are shining on two Canadian spectacles striving to stake out their own claims on the airwaves. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The 2014 Canadian Screen Awards return to CBC on March 9. Nestled inside Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, the awards are still in their relative infancy, this being only their second foray into the densely populated arena of televised award shows. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Already nicknamed the “Screenies” around Canadian industry circles, the Canadian Screen Awards were born last year, after the Academy of Canadian Cinema &amp; Television merged its existing prizes for Canadian movies (the Genie Awards, launched in 1980) with the accolades handed out for English-language Canadian television (the Gemini Awards, launched in 1986). The merger was accentuated by the launch of Canadian Screen Week, an annual celebration leading up to the award show. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Veteran actor/comedian Martin Short is back to host the CSAs again this year, thanks in part to his energy-filled turn at the helm of last year's inaugural broadcast. </div><br />The 2014 Juno Awards are set to grab their own chunk of the Canadian TV spotlight. This year's awards return to CTV on March 30. This time around, the setting is Winnipeg.<br /><br />Juno Week celebrations will include another Juno Cup celebrity-hockey game, a two-day JunoFest music showcase and several other attractions. Capping off the week, of course, is the award ceremony at Winnipeg's MTS Centre.<br /><br />In addition to saluting the year's top Canadian music achievements, the show will pay tribute to this year's Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees: Blair Thornton, Fred Turner, Randy Bachman and Robin Bachman, better known for many years as Bachman-Turner Overdrive. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />While the Junos and the “Screenies” likely won't come close to the glitz and worldwide attention of Hollywood's biggest night of the year, that doesn't matter. Canadian viewers can expect both award shows to pack a unique punch of their own.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The 2014 Canadian Screen Awards – CBC – March 9</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The 2014 Juno Awards – CTV – March 30</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine </i>- March 2014.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-4224153320072926502014-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:49:52.446-04:00Cityline Celebrates 25th Anniversary<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpdBGOQJCnQ/U12QP6p9P6I/AAAAAAAAALI/t2hfdPIucWQ/s1600/201402-ChannelGuide-CityLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpdBGOQJCnQ/U12QP6p9P6I/AAAAAAAAALI/t2hfdPIucWQ/s1600/201402-ChannelGuide-CityLine.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />CITYLINE<br />City -- Wednesdays</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">CITYLINE 25th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL<br />City -- February 25</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Blasts From The Past</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tracy Moore Marks The 25th Anniversary Of</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Cityline" With A Walk Down "Memory" Lane </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>It's “Fashion Friday” on <i>Cityline</i>and the studio audience is buzzing inside City's production centre in downtown Toronto. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Minutes before taping begins, host Tracy Moore chats up the crowd before choosing one person to undergo a makeover that makes jaws drop at the end of the show. After the taping is done, exhilarated audience members file out, still abuzz over what they've seen – and over their gift bags containing products highlighted on the show. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I want to sit in that audience and get those prizes,” Moore jokes later. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>Cityline</i> has been a daytime staple for a quarter-century, growing from a local show to a popular fixture across Canada. With most episodes featuring themes – including “Around the House,” “Family Day,” “Home Day” and “Fashion Friday” – the show has built its following with the help of a lengthy roster of lifestyle experts who make regular guest appearances. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>Cityline</i> will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a primetime special on Feb. 25. Hosted by Moore, it will showcase highlights pulled from <i>Cityline</i>'s archives. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's going to be a walk down memory lane, for sure.” Moore says. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />At the helm of <i>Cityline</i> for just over five years, the 39-year-old Moore is the third regular host in the show's history. Although Dini Petty headlined the show when it launched, it was Marilyn Denis who was the face of <i>Cityline</i>from 1989 until 2008. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Amid the complex division of media assets after ChumCity (then City's parent company) was acquired by CTVglobemedia (now Bell Media) in 2007, Denis (also a morning-radio co-host on Toronto's CHUM-FM) ended up in CTV's bullpen. The network eventually launched <i>The Marilyn Denis Show</i> in 2011, using a format similar to <i>Cityline</i>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Citytv and <i>Cityline</i>, meanwhile, became part of the Rogers media empire. After Denis' departure in May 2008, the show used a series of guest hosts before making Moore the regular host in October. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's been a good run,” Moore reflects. “I don't even think we thought it was going to be this amazing. It's really turned out well.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />A married mother of two, Moore started her career as an intern at CTV before becoming a videographer at CBC. She worked in news at CBC Newsworld (now called CBC News Network) and Toronto 1 (now known as Sun News) before jumping to City's <i>Breakfast Television</i> as its reporter and backup news anchor. After taking time off to have her first child, Moore decided to switch gears, becoming one of <i>Cityline</i>'s guest hosts before landing the gig as regular host. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Coming from a news background, Moore says it was “about a year-and-a-half” before she felt comfortable in the role. “It's such a big show that, for the first few months, you're trying to figure out who these guest experts are, what the tone is supposed to be, and how to deal with a live audience,” she says. “Doing a live lifestyle show is about instant reaction and that's a tough transition. It took a few months to really understand how <i>Cityline</i> connects with viewers.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>Cityline</i>'s longtime supervising producer, Chrissie Rejman, disagrees with how soon Moore caught on. “It was over the course of a month,” Rejman insists. “Tracy was laughing. She was forgetting that she was 'interviewing' somebody and, instead, she was having a conversation. That was the difference. That's what we looked for.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Rejman is effusive in praising how Moore connects with viewers – and the studio audience. “What Tracy is absolutely fantastic at is she's always willing, after the show, to have her photo taken,” says Rejman. “That personal contact with everybody is a really important ingredient.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />For her part, Moore says she is just trying to be herself. “With television being the way it is right now, people need a little bit of levity with their information,” she says. “This is what I get from the audience. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“They have a date with us every morning. They trust us. And we take that very seriously.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Cityline – City – weekdays </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Cityline 25th Anniversary Special – City – Feb. 25</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - February 2014.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-28115684125838037082014-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:47:10.515-04:00CBC is back in Olympic spotlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDoXxcBW-YQ/U16tqRYActI/AAAAAAAAAO4/4TB0ZSA9wBY/s1600/201402-ChannelGuide-CBC-Sochi_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDoXxcBW-YQ/U16tqRYActI/AAAAAAAAAO4/4TB0ZSA9wBY/s1600/201402-ChannelGuide-CBC-Sochi_Page_1.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00KHoV5tPBQ/U16tqhqH0oI/AAAAAAAAAPE/evRaCNsD1A0/s1600/201402-ChannelGuide-CBC-Sochi_Page_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00KHoV5tPBQ/U16tqhqH0oI/AAAAAAAAAPE/evRaCNsD1A0/s1600/201402-ChannelGuide-CBC-Sochi_Page_2.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />2014 WINTER OLYMPICS<br />CBC and other channels - Beginning Feb. 7</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Going For Gold </span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">After Almost Six Years On The Sidelines,&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CBC Jumps Back Into The Olympic Spotlight </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By Eric Kohanik </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>It's been close to six years since CBC was the official Canadian broadcaster for the Olympics. And, for <i>CBC Sports Weekend</i> host Scott Russell, sitting on the sidelines for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2012 Summer Games in London wasn't easy to stomach.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“It was, personally, tough to be out for two Olympics,” Russell admits. “Although I went to Vancouver and to London, it was in a much different role. We're so happy to be back in the Olympic broadcasting business at CBC. We couldn't be more excited.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">CBC once had a lengthy run of Olympic coverage. Before the CTV/Rogers Olympic Consortium scooped up rights to Winter 2010 and Summer 2012, CBC had billed itself as “Canada's Olympic Network” since 1996, broadcasting the Winter Games in Nagano (1998), Salt Lake City (2002) and Turin (2006) as well as the Summer Games in Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">CBC unveiled its broadcast team for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi at the network's headquarters in Toronto back on Oct. 30 as it kicked off a 100-day countdown to the opening ceremonies on Feb. 7. Chief news anchor Peter Mansbridge and <i>Hockey Night in Canada </i> veteran Ron MacLean will cohost coverage of the ceremonies from Sochi's Fisht Olympic Stadium. CBC's English-language Olympic telecasts will then be split into four major dayparts. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Diana Swain and David Amber will co-host <i>Olympic Morning</i> each day, while Russell will man the anchor desk for <i>Olympic Daytime. </i>MacLean will take on evening hosting duties on <i>Olympic Primetime</i>, while Andi Petrillo and Andrew Change will co-host <i>Olympic Overnight</i>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Time-zone differences will be a major factor. Many live events will air during the mornings and afternoons in Canada. And that will actually put Russell and his <i>Olympic Daytime</i> telecasts into a “prime” spotlight. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“There's a lot going on in that time slot and that's perfect,” Russell says. “We'll be moving around from venue to venue in order to capture as many things as we can that are going on, live.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">CBC's mainline TV coverage will be supplemented by TSN, TSN2 and Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet One as well as CBC News Network. Radio coverage will be divvied up between CBC Radio and TSN Radio, while French-language TV coverage will be split between Radio-Canada and RDS. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Meanwhile, online coverage at cbc.ca/olympics will also offer a wide variety of video content. Most notable among that will be live online streaming of Olympic competitions. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">There have been a lot of technological and social-media innovations since the last time CBC was Canada's official Olympic broadcaster. And Russell admits that will mean new challenges. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I mean, the last time we covered the Olympics, in Beijing, I'm <i>pretty sure</i> that the iPad didn't exist,” Russell jokes. “I'm also positive that Twitter was not a factor, right? So, this immediacy is a challenge. And the multi-platform situation is also a challenge. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“But I think it's something we've concentrated on at CBC. The way we approach <i>Sports Weekend</i> is now very much a multi-platform strategy. And that's the way Canadians want to consume the Olympics. They need the information as it happens.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">CBC has high ratings hopes for its coverage in Sochi. No wonder. Canadians have always had a fondness for the Winter Games. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“We have this feeling of being a winter nation,” Russell muses. “We are able to race down the mountains, to play on frozen ponds. So, yeah, these are Games that we are comfortable with. And we are comfortable being at the head of the class in the Winter Games. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I think that's the way the country is built. We are a country of extremes. Our geography lends itself to playing outside in the winter, and to hockey and skiing and curling and all of these things that are about us as Canadians. And so I think it's only natural that, when it comes to the Winter Games, we sit up and take notice.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">2014 Winter Olympics – CBC and other channels – beginning Feb. 7</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in Channel Guide Magazine - February 2014.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-55781252285079201712014-01-01T09:50:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:32:41.405-04:00Murdoch Mysteries<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QSwdVIBiYQ/U12QP_f-2SI/AAAAAAAAALM/iXaV8LIuYf8/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Murdoch+Mysteries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QSwdVIBiYQ/U12QP_f-2SI/AAAAAAAAALM/iXaV8LIuYf8/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Murdoch+Mysteries.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />MURDOCH MYSTERIES<br />CBC -- Series premiere Jan. 5; <br />Mondays beginning Jan. 6</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Top Cop</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yannick Bisson Continues To Shine As&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Artful Detective Of "Murdoch Mysteries" </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>It's a sunny fall day and there is much to celebrate inside Toronto's Sullivan Studios. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Production is almost done on another season of <i>Murdoch Mysteries</i>. Over on the police-station set, Yannick Bisson is wrapping up his scenes as William Murdoch, the Victorian-era detective whose artful sleuthing helps solve the cases facing the Toronto Constabulary each week. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It seems everything gets the most intense and the most difficult in the last week,” the 44-year-old Bisson concedes during a break. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />A 30-year acting veteran, Bisson has a fondness for Murdoch. “It's certainly been the most rewarding role yet,” the Montreal native says. “We've had some pretty big setbacks happen for him. There's been a bit of a glass ceiling for him in terms of how far he can go in his career. Between that and romance, he's taken a few hits.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Bisson is backed by a solid ensemble, including Thomas Craig as Inspector Thomas Brackenreid, Jonny Harris as Constable George Crabtree, Hélène Joy as Dr. Julia Ogden and Georgina Reilly as Dr. Emily Grace. Nevertheless, Bisson grapples with certain challenges. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's always been relatively easy to do,” he says of recreating the show's historical feel. “You show up and they've got these great clothes that sort of bundle you in. You flip across the parking lot onto a set that they've put so much effort into. The scripts are so wonderful. You really do step out of your trailer and step back in time. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“That part is easy. The toughest part for me is the endurance. In one day, we do three times the average person's workday, just by virtue of the hours, the intensity and the speed that we work at. So, in five months, you can get burned out. You have to take care of your body. You've got to stay fit, exercise a lot, get out in the sun and recharge.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The end of any show's season is enough to fuel a wrap party. But there are a lot more reasons to celebrate now. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Based on the <i>Detective Murdoch</i>novels by Maureen Jennings, <i>Murdoch Mysteries</i> is now in its seventh season, but only its second on CBC. The show had been in the domain of Rogers Broadcasting, airing on its chain of Citytv stations. Although it was successful, Rogers executives decided the series no longer fit their revamped City brand. They pulled the plug after the fifth season. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It was definitely a low point,” Bisson told a Toronto crowd of fans in November, after a screening at the inaugural Canadian International Television Festival. “We had done five years. We had good ratings, really solid ratings. It was real disheartening. It was discouraging.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />That didn't last long. According to producers, CBC called 24 hours after Rogers ditched the show. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A ramped-up publicity campaign by CBC took “Murdoch Mysteries” to new heights of popularity last season. The network then boosted the usual 13-episode order to 18 this season. After a break for the Winter Olympics next month, the series will resume with its extra instalments. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's certainly a new outlook,” Bisson says back on the set. “It's been fun doing the show for somebody who wants it.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />With 1.6 million viewers (including regular TV, on-demand viewing and online streaming), <i>Murdoch Mysteries</i> is Canada's top-rated homegrown drama. But its reach goes farther. The show airs in more than 100 international markets – including the U.S., where it was recently picked up by Ovation, which is airing all 96 episodes of the seven seasons under a different title: <i>The Artful Detective</i>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Whatever the moniker, the exploits of Detective William Murdoch and company continue to shine brightly. And although Bisson has worked in the U.S., the <i>Murdoch Mysteries</i>resurgence has refuelled his passion for Canadian TV.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I think, artistically, we have much, much better product,” Bisson says. “Also, you know, I'm a Canadian. I'm very much loyal to that. I'm very much a proponent of the Canadian industry. It has given a lot to me. And I have a lot to give back.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Murdoch Mysteries – CBC – Mondays </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - January 2014.)<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br />Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-37597517196531345702014-01-01T05:47:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:30:46.757-04:00The Best Laid Plans<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zBbmogqLQ0/U12QPwOfSDI/AAAAAAAAALY/lRcFtxQCAYM/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+The+Best+Laid+Plans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zBbmogqLQ0/U12QPwOfSDI/AAAAAAAAALY/lRcFtxQCAYM/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+The+Best+Laid+Plans.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />THE BEST LAID PLANS<br />CBC -- Series premiere Jan. 5; <br />Mondays beginning Jan. 6</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Party Animals</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ottawa's Backroom Shenanigans Get&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Playful Political Jab In "The Best Laid Plans" </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />By Eric Kohanik </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Jonas Chernick admits he hasn't really paid much attention to the scandals, backroom dealings and other political-party shenanigans that take place on Parliament Hill. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I can honestly say that, while I knew that went on, it wasn't something that I've ever had an interest in personally,” the 40-year-old Winnipeg-born actor confesses. “I'm not the most political person. I keep myself aware of what's going on. And, of course, I vote. But I'm not a political junkie.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Nevertheless, when the chance came along to play the political junkie at the core of <i>The Best Laid Plans</i>, Chernick didn't waste any time. He began his campaign to land the role with full force. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I kind of lobbied for it at first when I heard that the show was going into production,” explains Chernick, who is perhaps best known for doing triple duty as writer, producer and star of a 2012 Canadian movie called <i>My Awkward Sexual Adventure</i>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I said, 'I know the story. I know the character and I think I'm right for this.' It was kind of a match made in heaven right away. I really feel like this is one of the best projects I've ever been involved in.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>The Best Laid Plans</i> is a six-episode series that premieres Jan. 5 on CBC, with the remaining instalments airing on Mondays, beginning Jan. 6. Based on the novel of the same name by Terry Fallis, the series takes a lighthearted look at the behind-the-scenes lunacy that often infiltrates the political arena in Ottawa. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The production casts Chernick as Daniel Addison, a down-to-earth guy with a Ph.D. in English who has a passion for teaching but has been working as a speechwriter for George Quimby (Mark McKinney), the Leader of the Opposition. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />An ethical guy at heart, Daniel gets overwhelmed by the backroom hijinks of the Hill, not to mention certain backroom "manoeuvring" involving his girlfriend, Rachel (Sarah Allen). And so, he decides to head back into the academic world, where he would be safe from the backstabbing he has endured. Or, at least, so he thinks. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Blackmailed into completing one final assignment by his boss – Quimby's chief of staff, Bradley Stanton (Raoul Bhaneja) – Daniel agrees to recruit and work for a candidate who will challenge the stronghold of a longtime political incumbent (Peter Keleghan). He soon discovers that finding a suitable candidate – or even a less-than-suitable one – isn't so easy. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Many current comedy series rely on documentary-style formats that have characters being “interviewed” to offer comments on their storylines. <i>The Best Laid Plans</i>takes a slightly different approach, using a more traditional theatrical device of breaking down the “fourth wall” by having Daniel (who also narrates the story) turn directly to the camera in various scenes. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“That was really fun and unusual,” Chernick recalls. “I had never done that before. I'm a real fan of that style. One of my favourite movies ever was <i>Ferris Bueller's Day Off</i>. That was the first time I became aware of that storytelling strategy. I spent a lot of time in my prep thinking about and exploring my character's relationship with the audience. That was a unique and exciting discovery for me – and really fun to play.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>The Best Laid Plans</i> is brimming with familiar faces. Among them: Eric Peterson (Corner Gas), Jodi Balfour (<i>Bomb Girls</i>), Leah Pinsent (<i>Made in Canada</i>), Sonja Smits (<i>Traders</i>) and, of particular note, screen veteran Kenneth Welsh – who, without giving too much away, puts in a show-stealing performance as Daniel's gruff and grizzled landlord, Angus McLintock. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Chernick is effusive in his praise for Welsh. “Ken is literally a living legend,” he says. “He is one of the greats in the industry. Acting with him, across from him, is like a master class in film acting because he is truly a natural. When the cameras are rolling on him, anything can happen. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's just miraculous to be there with him when that magic is happening.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Best Laid Plans – CBC – Series premiere Jan. 5;&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Mondays beginning Jan. 6&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - January 2014.)&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><br />Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-29158222022417857762013-12-01T12:33:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:29:06.991-04:00Battleground's comical look at elections<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n41rPBtgQfs/U16BjZ0S_hI/AAAAAAAAANc/AVDVRvKk09c/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Battleground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n41rPBtgQfs/U16BjZ0S_hI/AAAAAAAAANc/AVDVRvKk09c/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Battleground.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />BATTLEGROUND<br />Super Channel 1 - Mondays</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Trail Rides </span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Battleground" Offers A Comical Look <br />At The Roller Coaster Of Election Campaigns&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By Eric Kohanik </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">E</span>lection campaigns can be funny things. Just ask J.D. Walsh. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Although Walsh has a solid list of acting credits, including guest stints on TV shows ranging from <i>Two and a Half Men</i> to <i>The Crazy Ones</i>, it was his real-life stint as a campaign worker during John Kerry's 2004 presidential bid that led him to a role as creator/executive producer. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Walsh's brainchild is <i>Battleground</i>, a clever, documentary-style comedy series that made its Canadian debut Nov. 18. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It was soul-crushing,” Walsh says of his ride on the campaign trail. “There was a guy there who kind of took me under his wing and kind of showed me the ropes of, like, 'This is how the campaign works.' And he knew all this kind of, like, secret stuff. This guy was kind of my window into the world, and what that life is like.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>Battleground</i> spins its fictional yarn around a group of misfits working on an election campaign in Wisconsin. Jay Hayden stars as Chris “Tak” Davis, the campaign manager toiling to get Deirdre Samuels (Meighan Gerachis) elected to the U.S. Senate. The show's ensemble cast includes Jack De Sena as speechwriter Cole Graner, Teri Reeves as media strategist Kara “K.J.” Jamison, Alison Haislip as tech whiz Ali Laurents and Ben Samuel as campaign newbie Ben Werner. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The show's documentary style is reminiscent of such other TV comedies as <i>The Office</i> or <i>Modern Family</i>. But there's a twist to <i>Battleground</i>. It's a series originally made strictly for the Internet. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Battleground</i> was actually the first foray into scripted programming by Hulu, a video-streaming site based in the U.S. The series premiered there last year and was recently picked up by Super Channel for TV viewers across Canada.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />A tight, web-oriented budget meant things had to be done quickly. “We wrote all 13 episodes and then shot them as a movie,” reveals Walsh, who puts in cameo appearances as the filmmaker within the show. “Essentially, we shot three movies in a period of eight weeks.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The tight budget and shooting schedule don't detract from <i>Battleground</i>. It has production values similar to big network TV shows, but its roots as a web series allowed for a freer creative environment.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It felt very comfortable immediately,” Hayden recalls. “We were able to stretch as actors and really tell the story that J.D. wanted us to tell.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Haislip echoes the sentiment. “There was an ease and a flow on set that allowed for a lot of creativity,” the actress says. “J.D. actually came up with this brilliant thing. After every single shot set-up, when he got what he wanted, he gave us an 'unusable' take, and that was, 'Do whatever the hell you want. Just go for it.' </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“We were able to get these moments of gold because we weren't thinking about the script anymore. We weren't thinking about what we were told to do. We were thinking about how can we make this even more ridiculous and more hilarious. It's amazing how many of those unusable takes actually made it into the show.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Other distinct features include the show's on-camera interviews with characters, which appear to take place well after the campaign has ended. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“The idea behind it is we wanted to give it time and distance and space,” Walsh explains. “Because that would allow the people who are being interviewed to, occasionally, not remember exactly how it worked, or possibly still be 'spinning it.' And then we would actually see what happens.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Not everything is played for laughs. Walsh's campaign experience inspired him to tell stories from varied perspectives. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“All of those people just go from campaign to campaign,” he says. “You can't live a life that way. You can't live a real life. So, that's the struggle that you see in this show, with Tak and his wife at home. She wants a real life. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“What we're trying to do on this show is as real as possible … to find out what the day-to-day struggle is like, what the roller coaster is like.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Battleground – Super Channel 1 – Mondays</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - December 2013.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-14708201297698094622013-12-01T12:20:00.000-05:002014-04-28T15:27:52.659-04:00Deck The Halls with Holiday Specials<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJApF1b1LJc/U156pr8iYaI/AAAAAAAAANM/9eFkwd1f_-g/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Holiday+Specials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJApF1b1LJc/U156pr8iYaI/AAAAAAAAANM/9eFkwd1f_-g/s1600/201312-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Holiday+Specials.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">'Tis The Season&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">December Brings Its Usual Plethora <br />Of Holiday Specials. Here Are <br />Some Gotta-See Attractions <br />To Mark On The Calendar</span></span><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>Deck the halls! The yuletide season is approaching and, of course, that means December's TV schedules are filled with the usual torrent of holiday programming. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />We've sifted through most of the merry mix to come up with some shining lights and gotta-see attractions to help make your season bright ...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Pitchin' In Christmas</b>&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Chef Lynn Crawford is inviting her extended family of Pitchin' In friends over for Christmas, and they're bringing some of her favourite ingredients, including heritage turkey, roast rack of Canadian lamb, and figs for her famous figgy pudding (Food Network Canada, Dec. 2)&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Charlie Brown Christmas</b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The holiday season just wouldn't feel right without certain classics. Leading the pack: Charlie Brown's timeless quest to find the true meaning of Christmas and the help of his pal, Linus. (ABC, dec. 2 and YTV, Dec. 11)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>CMA Country Christmas </b></div><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Trace Adkins, Sheryl Crow, Kellie Pickler and a gaggle of other country stars gather in Nashville to share traditions, memories and songs in a two-hour concert showcase. (ABC, Dec. 2 and City, Dec. 7) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Gordon Ramsay's Christmas Cookalong Special&nbsp;</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When you think Gordon Ramsay, you might not think Christmas cheer, but the Hell's Kitchen chef is in the proper spirit for this special where he invites families to cook together to create a three-course festive feast. (Food Network Canada, Dec. 5)&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Santa Claus Parade</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If you missed the same-day telecast on Nov. 17, here's a couple of chances to catch Santa and the other attractions making their way down the streets of Toronto. (CTV, Dec. 7 and CTV Two, Dec. 8)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Very Merry Mix-Up</b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Alicia Witt tops the cast of this fluffy new movie. She plays a young bride-to-be whose Christmas trip to meet her future in-laws becomes a comedy of errors. (CTV, Dec. 7)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Great Christmas Light Fight</b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">OK, why not have Christmas cheer duke things out with reality TV? This three-episode competition series has 20 families pimping out their homes to win big money. Fa-la-la-la-la. (ABC, Dec. 9, 16, 23) <b>&nbsp;</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Dragons' Den Holiday Episode</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">How much more of a Scrooge could curmudgeonly money-bagman Kevin O'Leary possibly be? Wait and see. (CBC, Dec. 11) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Kelly Clarkson Christmas Special&nbsp;</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Pop star Kelly Clarkson will loosely base her yet-to-be-titled holiday special around Charles Dickens' <i>A Christmas Carol</i> and its underlying message of learning the true meaning of Christmas. (NBC, Dec. 11)&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Miracle on 34th Street</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Take your pick of the 1994 remake starring Richard Attenborough (Dec. 12) or the original 1947 version featuring Edmund Gwenn (Dec. 25). Either way, Kris Kringle wins everyone over in the end. (CBC)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>It's A Wonderful Life</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jimmy Stewart's performance as downtrodden George Bailey is worth seeing again. And again. (NBC and CTV, Dec. 14, 24) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>How The Grinch Stole Christmas</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Get out the Roast Beast. The original animated rendition of the Dr. Seuss tale is a treat for young and old. (CBC, Dec. 16) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>I Love Lucy Christmas Special</b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Everything old is new again. Really. CBS has taken a newly colourized version of the seldom-seen 1956 Christmas episode of <i>I Love Lucy</i> and merged it with a colourized rendition of the “Lucy's Italian Movie” episode. The colours are a nice visual bonus; the laughs are still as classic as ever. (CBS, Dec. 20)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Rita MacNeil's Christmas</b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The late Rita MacNeil's charm lives on in this feel-good special from 2000. John McDermott, Patti LaBelle, Natalie MacMaster and the Barra MacNeils round out the musical celebration. (CTV Two, Dec. 22) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Sometimes you just need some silly laughs. And there are plenty in the yuletide missteps of Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his family. (CBC, Dec. 22) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Scrooge</b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The famed 1951 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol showcases Alastair Sim in what is still the definitive portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. (CBC; Dec. 24)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Air Farce New Year's Eve Special</b></div><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A longtime New Year's Eve tradition, this year-in-review romp by the Air Farce crew should have plenty of timely targets. (CBC, Dec. 31) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Gerry Dee New Year's Eve Special</b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Fans of CBC's <i>Mr. D</i> can catch comedian Gerry Dee yukking things up in preparation for the New Year. (CBC, Dec. 31)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>New Year's Eve At Niagara Falls</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Entertainment Tonight Canada</i> hosts Cheryl Hickey and Rick Campanelli round up some of the music industry's hottest acts to ring in 2014 in this fifth annual coast-to-coast countdown from Niagara Falls, Ont. (Global, Dec. 31) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in Channel Guide Magazine - December 2013.)&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-76170166300763043562013-11-01T11:55:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:27:01.740-04:00Anna Silk's begins fourth season of Lost Girl<br /><span id="goog_136527453"></span><span id="goog_136527454"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBmB0ayxO3w/U153-ISH6MI/AAAAAAAAANA/IgsUm5Ehat0/s1600/201311-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Lost+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBmB0ayxO3w/U153-ISH6MI/AAAAAAAAANA/IgsUm5Ehat0/s1600/201311-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Lost+Girl.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><span id="goog_136527453"></span><span id="goog_136527454"></span><br /><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />LOST GIRL<br />Showcase - Sundays, beginning Nov. 10</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">"Girl" Talk </span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anna Silk Faces New Challenges as&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Lost Girl" Begins Its Fourth Season</span></span><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style> </span></div>It's been a busy morning of pushing and shoving for <i>Lost Girl</i> star Anna Silk. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Inside one of the buildings that once housed the Lever Brothers factory near the Toronto waterfront, Silk, who plays succubus/heroine Bo Dennis on the supernatural series, has been locking horns on this late-September morning with guest star Linda Hamilton, who returns as ruthless assassin Acacia in the 11th episode of the upcoming season. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>Lost Girl</i> begins its fourth season Nov. 10 on Showcase with the first of 13 new episodes. Hamilton is part of a roster of guest stars that includes Kyle Schmid (<i>Copper</i>, <i>Blood Ties</i>), George Takei (<i>Star Trek</i>), Mia Kirshner (<i>Defiance</i>) and Ali Liebert (<i>Bomb Girls</i>). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />When viewers last saw Bo, she had mystically disappeared in one of several cliffhangers in last season's finale. Bo's return will herald some big changes in the Fae world. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“Bo is a key player in the Fae world,” Silk says. “She doesn't even realize how key she is at this point.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The new season also brings big challenges for Bo and those around her. But then, Bo has always had to face big challenges. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“What's been so great about Bo from the very beginning is that, no matter what, she has been a character with so much room for growth,” Silk reflects during a break in filming. “Because she started into this world brand new, she had everything to learn and every skill to learn and develop. So, that has been a real pleasure to play and a real gift. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“Our writers and creators come up with great stuff every season to keep challenging her. But, man, she never gets to rest! She always has to fight something.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Exactly what Bo will fight is being kept super-secret. “I'm under lock and key,” Silk confesses. “Every season, I try to think of a handful of things I can say. And usually I have a good handful. This season, I have, like, no handful. And I've said this before in other interviews: The best way I can describe it is that you have to take everything you know about <i>Lost Girl</i> and turn it upside down, in every aspect of the show. With so many cliffhangers at the end of last season, the way that people might think it's going to go might not be the way it goes. Or it might be.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Silk has a much easier time talking about changes that took place off screen between seasons, including the birth of her son, Sam, in May. So, how is mommyhood? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's wonderful. It's really wonderful. He's ridiculous,” Silk giggles as she shows a baby picture on her smartphone. “He's really a dream baby, as I'm sure every mother says about her baby. But he really is a pretty easy-going babe. He's a happy boy.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />As for whether parenthood has affected how she plays Bo, Silk isn't quite sure. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“I've always heard other actors say, 'Oh, being a parent changes how you perform.' And I think that's true because it opens up your emotions,” she says. “It opens up your heart in a broader sense. I feel I can't answer that question yet. I feel I need more time before I can really answer how it's changed. It's busier, for sure. And there's a lot more to balance, but it's really great.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Parenthood seems to be a good fit for Silk, much in the way that Bo felt like a good fit to her right from the start. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It definitely fit right away because I feel like, in my own life, I'm a bit of a late bloomer,” the 39-year-old New Brunswick native says. “And I've learned to kind of be proud of that. But I feel like Bo was so new and I felt like I was kind of new at taking on a leading role, and we kind of got to grow together, so it has felt very organic right from the beginning. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“And I've definitely learned from her. I'm way more tough in my own life now.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Lost Girl - Showcase - Sundays, beginning Nov. 10&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - November 2013.)&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-34587206402506682992013-11-01T11:43:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:23:52.945-04:00Filthy Gorgeous: The Bob Guccione Story<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I19PFz7Fkq8/U15z5ZVXhTI/AAAAAAAAAM0/oIkcFwUz6d0/s1600/201311-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Filthy+Gorgeous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I19PFz7Fkq8/U15z5ZVXhTI/AAAAAAAAAM0/oIkcFwUz6d0/s1600/201311-Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Filthy+Gorgeous.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />FILTHY GORGEOUS<br />The Movie Network / Movie Central - Nov. 8 </span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Ladies' Man </span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Filthy Gorgeous" takes a revealing look&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">at "Penthouse" founder Bob Guccione</span></span><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By Eric Kohanik </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">T</span>he saga of <i>Penthouse</i> founder Bob Guccione is one of the most colourful in publishing history. And it came as a surprise to Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich when he discovered, after Guccione's death in 2010, that the story wasn't being told.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“It was odd because I expected, within the year, there would be all kinds of bio-pics announced,” Avrich recalls. “And there was nothing, because no one knew him.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />So, Avrich set out to tell the story. The resulting documentary, <i>Filthy Gorgeous: The Bob Guccione Story</i>, launched at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, and Avrich was pleased with the response. He admits the story is sad: Guccione died penniless in a Texas hospital after a battle with throat cancer. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It is a rise-and-fall [story],” Avrich reflects over coffee at a downtown Toronto espresso house. “It's tragic, [but] I don't know whether he would consider it tragic. Because, if you live for 79 years, and 74 of them are damn good, so be it. It was a great life.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, Guccione briefly considered becoming a priest before setting off for Europe to be an artist. He eventually became famous for <i>Penthouse</i>, a men's magazine that began in England in the 1960s before taking aim at Hugh Hefner's <i>Playboy</i> empire in the U.S. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The success of <i>Penthouse</i> led to vast wealth and an opulent lifestyle that made Guccione, often decked out in gold chains, a notorious icon of hedonism in the 1970s and '80s. His success led to other ventures, ranging from movies (<i>Caligula</i>) and magazines (including <i>Omni</i> and <i>Viva</i>) to the development of nuclear-fusion energy and even a failed hotel/casino project in Atlantic City. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Along the way, there were ironic turns, ranging from Guccione's role as a righteous defender of the First Amendment to his decision to publish photos that would cause the first African-American Miss America, Vanessa Williams, to be stripped of her crown. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><i>Filthy Gorgeous</i> doesn't hold back in tracing the entire story in sometimes-stark detail. The documentary begins by warning viewers that it is filled with nudity, profanity “and some truth.”<br /><br />The film is brimming with revealing interviews, ranging from Guccione's family (including sons Nick and Bob Jr.) to professional associates (including Alan Dershowitz and Xaviera Hollander).&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Particularly insightful are recollections of Guccione's personal assistant, Jane Homlish, and Victoria Johnson, who was 1978's Penthouse Pet of the Year and one of Guccione's lovers.&nbsp; </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“There were twists and turns for me,” Avrich says. “When I decided to make the film, I didn't know everything about him. I chose him because nothing had been done and I was curious.”&nbsp;<br /><br />That curiosity arose after Avrich was invited to screen his 2005 documentary, <i>The Last Mogul</i> (about Hollywood agent Lew Wasserman), at the Playboy Mansion.<br /><br />“I was intrigued,” Avrich recalls. “After so many years, why is the Hugh Hefner brand, the <i>Playboy</i>brand, so powerful and the <i>Penthouse</i> brand is tattered and left in ruins, like a Shakespearean tragedy? So, I started to do some preliminary research. When Guccione died in 2010, that file moved to the front for me.”<br /><br />It soon became clear there was a lot to the story. “He was a flawed genius, without a doubt,” Avrich says. “We're all flawed; few of us are geniuses. And that made him, for me as a filmmaker, really interesting.”<br /><br />A native of Montreal, Avrich divides his time between making movies and running an advertising agency in Toronto. His credits include last year's <i>Show Stopper: The Theatrical Life of Garth Drabinsky</i> and 2011's <i>Unauthorized: The Harvey Weinstein Project</i>. <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><i>Fithy Gorgeous</i> is a compelling addition to that roster, particularly in light of how the story ultimately ends.<br /><br />“The man died without a penny,” Avrich says. “Without a penny. Nothing to his name. Zero.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“In that 200-square-foot hospital room in Plano, Texas, was this man with nothing but the name on the door. It's sad.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Filthy Gorgeous - The Movie Network / Movie Central - Nov. 8</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - November 2013.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-2748102302107115472013-10-01T11:25:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:20:20.680-04:00Melissa Grelo: The Cat Herder on The Social<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k--48ydOf20/U15xCxX8qYI/AAAAAAAAAMo/N6dG5x-sd4U/s1600/201310+-+Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+The+Social.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k--48ydOf20/U15xCxX8qYI/AAAAAAAAAMo/N6dG5x-sd4U/s1600/201310+-+Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+The+Social.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />THE SOCIAL<br />CTV - Weekdays</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">The Cat Herder </span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Melissa Grelo Keeps The Talk&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">On Track On CTV's "The Social" </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By Eric Kohanik </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It would be easy to lump <i>The Social</i> into a certain breed of talk show that has been growing on daytime TV. </span> <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But co-host Melissa Grelo doesn't want people to put CTV's new entry into the same paddock as ABC's <i>The View</i> or CBS' <i>The Talk</i>. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We can use analogies and comparisons to <i>The View</i> all you want,” Grelo says. “But the reality is, we have a very distinctly Canadian perspective. A perfect example of that would be the gay-rights issue or, perhaps, the gun-control issue. These are issues that have a vastly different tone if you're talking about them north of the border vs. south of the border. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And there's the fact that we've never had [on TV] a round table of Canadian women of varying backgrounds discussing the issues that matter not only to Canadians, but what everyone is talking about around the world.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Social</i> airs live each weekday on CTV, with same-day rebroadcasts on CTV Two and E! The hourlong show features Grelo and her co-hosts – gossip blogger Lainey Lui, relationship expert Cynthia Loyst and entertainment reporter Traci Melchor – tackling each day's most talked-about issues, inviting viewers to join in via social media. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Grelo acts as the show's moderator, keeping the conversation going and keeping it on track. She often gleefully refers to herself as the “cat herder” on the show. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We've got some very, very feisty, sassy women,” Grelo laughs. “This is exactly how everyone envisioned the show.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Social media was also envisioned as a significant element on <i>The Social</i>. And, according to Grelo, that is where she and her co-hosts have an advantage. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We are of that generation and we are definitely participants in this new world where people who are watching television are simultaneously on social media,” Grelo explains. “It's almost like one doesn't happen without the other. That's the centre point of our show.”</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Of course, that can lead to some on-air juggling. But then, Grelo is no stranger to the demands of live TV. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Since 2008, Grelo has been the co-host of Toronto specialty channel CP24's morning show, <i>CP24 Breakfast</i>. She also co-hosted CTV's live <i>Olympic Morning</i> telecasts from Whistler, B.C. during the 2010 Winter Olympics.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Add that to stints as a news anchor, fill-in host, reporter, entertainment correspondent and weather/traffic reporter and you quickly get the sense that Grelo can tackle any topic on <i>The Social</i>. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A self-confessed news junkie, Grelo didn't always see TV on her career path. In fact, she had set her sights on teaching at an early age.</span> “<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I started teaching horseback riding when I was a kid,” Grelo recalls. “Teaching was something that came very naturally to me.” </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After pursuing degrees in psychology and education, she embarked on a short stint as a teacher before shifting her focus to journalism.</span> “<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For someone who's always been a news junkie, I never considered it a career,” Grelo confesses. “Then I realized, 'Wait a second, here's a very similar skill set.' I love writing. I love reading.” </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And now, she loves combining her duties on <i>CP24 Breakfast</i> with her role on <i>The Social</i> – even if it means her days get pretty hectic.</span>&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's insane,” Grelo concedes. “That's my middle name these days. But I'm so excited. It's something I've wanted to do for a really long time. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I first talked to the network about a show kind of like this a couple of years ago. To actually see it happening, it's a dream come true.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Social - CTV - Weekdays&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(First published in Channel Guide Magazine - October 2013.)&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp; </span></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-17281649634636734592013-10-01T11:12:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:18:46.654-04:00Vincent Walsh and Dwain Murphy in Played<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-Bgc0s9uu4/U15taKyZ0zI/AAAAAAAAAMc/KLDNP--n1eo/s1600/201310+-+Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Played.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-Bgc0s9uu4/U15taKyZ0zI/AAAAAAAAAMc/KLDNP--n1eo/s1600/201310+-+Shaw+Channel+Guide+-+Played.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">ON SCREEN:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />PLAYED<br />CTV - Thursdays, beginning Oct. 3</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Teamwork </span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vincent Walsh and Dwain Murphy Clicked&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Right Away As Underover Cops On "Played" </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By Eric Kohanik </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's just past noon on a warm late-summer day. Next to an outdoor storage-locker facility near the waterfront in downtown Toronto, actors Vincent Walsh and Dwain Murphy have been going through take after take since the early morning hours of what will be another whirlwind day of location filming.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Walsh and Murphy are part of the ensemble cast of <i>Played</i>, a new Canadian drama series that debuts this month on CTV. The police procedural casts them as detectives who work for the Toronto police department's Covert Investigations Unit, donning a variety of alter-egos in order to carry out undercover “plays” – sting operations that nab criminals. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Much of the filming for <i>Played</i> is done on location around Toronto. That often means 15-hour days that require a lot of intense teamwork. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You fly by the seat of your pants,” Walsh relates during a short break in filming. “This whole project is one big ensemble piece. It's very much character driven, by outside stories. It's all very much a work in progress.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Walsh plays John Moreland, a veteran undercover cop who lives in the moment, is somewhat pigheaded and could easily go over the edge at any time. Murphy plays Moreland's partner and wingman, Daniel Price, a smooth-talking, exuberant detective who sometimes has a tough time separating his undercover persona from his real one. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What drew me in initially was the fact that we get to play multiple characters,” Murphy explains. “What I connected with was the fact that every episode is like a mini-movie and you're literally adapting a new character to that episode along with maintaining this other character throughout a season. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I get to stretch myself as an actor. In one episode, I'll play a DJ. In another episode, I'll be an undercover bank robber. And in another episode, I get to play a Brazilian drug lord. You don't really know what angle you're going to come from, episode to episode.”</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Walsh and Murphy both have solid lists of TV credits under their belts. The Irish-Canadian Walsh has an acting resume that runs the gamut from guest shots on such Canadian series as <i>Murdoch Mysteries</i> and <i>Republic of Doyle</i> to lead roles in such productions as <i>Hemingway vs. Callaghan</i> and <i>Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion</i>. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Murphy, who was born in Dominica and raised in Toronto, boasts a list of credits that ranges from roles in such Canadian series as <i>Combat Hospital</i> and <i>Degrassi: The Next Generation</i> to guest stints on such U.S. shows as <i>The Mentalist</i> and <i>Ghost Whisperer</i>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Right now, though, both are busy pouring all their energy into the teamwork that is required of them and their characters as they watch each other's backs on <i>Played</i>. Fortunately for the duo, their chemistry clicked right away. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This is my first time playing a cop and I absolutely love it!” Murphy declares enthusiastically. “And I get to do it with this guy,” he continues, playfully tapping Walsh's knee. “We make it fun. I think that will resonate, when people see it on the screen, just how much fun we really have working together. From the first time I met Vincent, I could see he's just a fun-loving, happy guy. From Day 1, I instantly clicked with him.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Walsh is quick to return the compliment. “Right back at you, mate,” Walsh says in an Irish lilt punctuated by a wry smile. “Dwain brought an amazing energy the second he walked on the set.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As for their chemistry on screen, “we didn't really have any time to think about 'clicking,'” Walsh quips. “The only time we really had was to hit the mark and say the line. That was it.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Played - CTV - Thursdays, beginning Oct. 3</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(First published in <i>Channel Guide Magazine</i> - October 2013.)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><br />Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-36136753974378172562013-09-02T15:12:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:17:12.046-04:00Glen Abbey hosts The Canadian Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajLBibNjwl0/U16lEounGHI/AAAAAAAAAOo/MvIvfOnQVLY/s1600/2013-Fall-OnCourse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajLBibNjwl0/U16lEounGHI/AAAAAAAAAOo/MvIvfOnQVLY/s1600/2013-Fall-OnCourse.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tynHGO1bMNM/U16gbDoh9WI/AAAAAAAAAOc/KvOZJJy_pIY/s1600/2013+-+On+Course+-+RBC+Canadian+Open_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tynHGO1bMNM/U16gbDoh9WI/AAAAAAAAAOc/KvOZJJy_pIY/s1600/2013+-+On+Course+-+RBC+Canadian+Open_Page_1.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IAPgyR66JE/U16gbddjJRI/AAAAAAAAAOg/p5CqSF4ib2o/s1600/2013+-+On+Course+-+RBC+Canadian+Open_Page_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IAPgyR66JE/U16gbddjJRI/AAAAAAAAAOg/p5CqSF4ib2o/s1600/2013+-+On+Course+-+RBC+Canadian+Open_Page_2.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">We Did It!</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Abbey Staff And Volunteers <br />Make The 2013 RBC Canadian Open <br />A Memorable Success</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; </style></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">From prepping the locker room, planning menus and stocking merchandise tents to making sure the fairways, greens and even the famed Tiger Trap were all groomed and ready for action, the activity had already been buzzing for quite a while as the staff of Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. got things in top shape for the 2013 RBC Canadian Open. </span> <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This year's event, held from July 22 to 28, marked the 26th time that the Canadian Open has been held at Glen Abbey. And whether they were veterans of previous times or newcomers who had never participated before, more than 1,400 volunteers joined the ClubLink staff members who had already rolled up their sleeves and were enthusiastically geared up to ensure a successful event. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">At a special staff orientation on July 15, Glen Abbey Director of Operations Allan Huibers and Golf Canada Tournament Director Bill Paul welcomed employees from Glen Abbey and a host of other ClubLink courses, offering them vital instructions on what they could expect in the days ahead. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For many, though, preparations had already long been in full swing. Take Executive Chef Jamie Hussey and the team in the Glen Abbey kitchen, for instance. Preparing the clubhouse menu for the Canadian Open was a task that stretched back to the beginning of the year. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Back in January, I started composing menus and themes,” Hussey recalls. Once the menus were set in February, the primary goal was working to make sure the clubhouse buffets would be pristine each day and that the players, media and other event participants, as well as the 500 to 600 RBC guests in the clubhouse every day, would be looked after flawlessly. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In all of July, it was obviously all hands on deck,” says Hussey, who noted that his team included 30 cooks and nine dishwashers. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The culinary bill of fare ranged from a special “RBC Blue Item” – a maple-blueberry salad with grilled salmon, Canadian wild rice and quinoa – served in the clubhouse to such on-course treats as the soft pretzels and Buddha Dogs (smoked hotdogs) that prep cook Kim Gaudon was grilling for players on the 11th tee during the Golf Canada Foundation Pro-Am on July 22.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Out on the golf course itself, meanwhile, Superintendent Andrew Gyba and his team of 65 staff and volunteers had been toiling away for months to make sure bunkers, fairways, greens and even the rough were up in top condition. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Preparing the course often meant 15- to 16-hour work days for Gyba and others in the week leading up to the Open. The task ran into a few extra twists and turns along the way, including a violent storm that hit Oakville on the Friday just before tournament week. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We had an arborist on call and we had 60 people picking up debris,” Gyba said of the post-storm activities. “But we just finished redoing all the bunkers earlier this year, so it wasn't that bad. We were back to normal the next day. Like I always say, in this business, you hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Fortunately, it was the best that prevailed. With the exception of a storm warning that halted play for a short while on Saturday, the weather co-operated almost perfectly during the rest of the Open week. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">With several weeks still to go before the Open, it was the rough at Glen Abbey that had already caught the attention of a lot of Club Members and public players. Long and thick enough to gobble up a ball that merely rolled a few inches off the fairway, the rough presented a considerable challenge for Glen Abbey's starters and play coordinators when it came to helping Club Members and public golfers maintain their pace of play while still making sure they had a memorable and enjoyable experience. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Once Open week got rolling, the task of making sure the pro golfers were well looked after was a top priority, especially for those manning the Glen Abbey locker room during the event. Their tasks ranged from cleaning and polishing golf shoes and carefully storing players' clubs to taking care of individual laundry deliveries and making sure the golfers' every other need in the locker room was met and fulfilled enthusiastically. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">With three previous Canadian Open tournaments already under his belt, veteran Golf Services staff member John McLellan was often the go-to guy for many of the locker-room staff. According to McLellan, the key to doing a good job in the locker room was simple. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just be patient and nice...” he says, adding with a wink: “...and use a soft brush, not a stiff wire brush, on the tops of the shoes!” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As the week drew to a close, there were so many people to thank that Glen Abbey Office Manager Cathy Hyatt ended up sending out a series of e-mails to staff that kept adding to the list of individuals and departments whose hard work she wanted to acknowledge. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hope it was an exciting experience for everyone,” she wrote to all in one missive. “I know it's a long hard week … but man, it's worth it!”&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp; </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">(Eric Kohanik is a starter and play coordinator at Glen Abbey Golf Club.)&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />(First published in <i>On Course</i> - Fall 2013.)&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span></span> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-27279096693619084562013-07-26T10:38:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:16:19.740-04:00How to play The Canadian Open at Glen Abbey<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyBXQDL8brM/U15kJBX4T7I/AAAAAAAAAMM/iDieGdfmVAw/s1600/20130726-HamiltonSpectator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyBXQDL8brM/U15kJBX4T7I/AAAAAAAAAMM/iDieGdfmVAw/s1600/20130726-HamiltonSpectator.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">The Right Way To Play&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">The Canadian Open</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A starter's perspective on&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the ins and outs of Glen Abbey</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Eric Kohanik </span></span></span> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Special to The Hamilton Spectator&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome to Glen Abbey. My name is Eric and I'm your Starter today. You're going to have a great time.”&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For five seasons, I've used those words to introduce countless guests to the first tee of the course that is home to this year's Canadian Open. And as the pros get down to serious competition in Oakville, it should be no surprise that any golfer following the action would get the urge to play the Jack Nicklaus-designed course that is hosting the Open for the 26th time. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a starter and a play coordinator (that's what marshals are called at Glen Abbey), I've encountered players from around the world who have made the pilgrimage to “The Abbey.” Many are thrilled and even awestruck, as if they are standing on the most hallowed ground. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But there are a few things you need to know when you go to play Glen Abbey. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are no white tees, for instance. The red tees play 5,346 yards. The blue tees, at 6,224 yards, are usually challenging enough for beginners and those with double-digit handicaps. The gold tees clock in at 6,622 yards, while the black (pro) tees add up to 7,273 yards. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As for the holes, there's a twist. As in 2009, the front nine holes have been reconfigured for the tournament, so things will look different when you play your version of the Canadian Open at Glen Abbey. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To help you out, here's a quick, starter's guide to the course and some of its most memorable (and difficult) holes: </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 1 (No. 8 at the Open) – Par 5</span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This hole is simply memorable because it's the first hole you'll play at Glen Abbey. First-timers get excited just standing on the tee box, often snapping photos as souvenirs. The hole is often called an "easy" Par 5. The pros play it as a Par 4 during the Open. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 2 (No. 9 at the Open) – Par 4</span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The No. 1 handicap hole has a big tree that comes into play off the tee. It can be tough to reach the green in only two shots. An extra club is a good idea on the approach, thanks to a sand trap at the left front of the green. The green is also smaller than it appears from the fairway.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 3 (No. 7 at the Open) – Par 3 </span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wind comes into play, while bunkers and pin placement on the narrow green can easily spell trouble. The hole doesn't look tough, but the pond between the tee and green gobbles up 15,000 golf balls a year. More than a few have been mine. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 7 (No. 4 at the Open) – Par 3 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another hole over water that looks easy but isn't. If the wind is brisk, it can mean a difference of two or even three clubs. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 9 (No. 6 at the Open) </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A pretty finish to the front nine, this Par 4 is similar to the Par 5 that finishes the back. The fairway slopes toward a pond that is in front of the green, so a long drive can be trouble. The hole is ranked as the third toughest on the course. It's also rated as one of the toughest on the PGA Tour. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 11 – Par 4</span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The second-hardest hole is also Glen Abbey's signature hole, and one of the most picturesque golf holes around. An elevated tee leads you down to the first of five valley holes. From the gold tees, it's about a 220-yard carry reach to the fairway (although the elevation does give your shot extra distance). From the blue and red tees, the perfect shot is usually aimed over a large tree on the left side of the fairway. A wide section of 16 Mile Creek runs in front of the green, so your approach may need a lot of carry, too. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 13 – Par 5 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The mid-way point of the valley, this hole crosses 16 Mile Creek not once but twice. Once you get to the green, things don't necessarily get easier. A deep swale to the left of the green can easily mess up your game.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 14 – Par 4 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ranked as one of the toughest holes on the PGA Tour, this hole plays completely different from the gold and black tees than from the blue and red tees. An undulating green adds to this hole's charm and challenge. </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No. 15 </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">– </span></span></span></b>Par 3</b> </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's rated as the easiest hole on the course. Uh-huh. Sure. Depending on the pin placement, the elevated, two-tier green could leave you with one of the toughest putts you'll face.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No. 17 </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">–</span></span></span></b> Par 4</b> </span></span></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are 17 sand traps adorning this hole. That's right, 17. Oddly enough, the tee shot from the golds actually seems easier than from the blues. A funky, U-shaped green can cap off this adventurous hole in a unique way.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 18 – Par 5 </span></span></span></b> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This the home of the famed Tiger Trap, which led to a shot by Tiger Woods during the 2000 Canadian Open that still ranks as one of the most famous in golf history. No wonder a lot of first-time visitors throw a ball in there to try out their 6-irons.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, there you have it: a guide to your own version of the Canadian Open. Of course, there are a number of other things every starter will tell you when you play Glen Abbey – things like repairing ball marks on greens, replacing or filling divots on the fairways and always making sure you keep up with the group ahead of you. But then, we'll save those for when you actually get there.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eric Kohanik is a freelance writer and former Spectator reporter.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(First published in <i>The Hamilton Spectator </i>- July 26, 2013.)</span></span></span><br /><br />Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-50029281667602733192012-08-01T07:21:00.000-04:002014-04-28T14:34:29.361-04:00Must-have Apps to help you watch TV<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZJSQizs3EY/UHiFu8jbPiI/AAAAAAAAAGI/CQM9RO3YAJU/s1600/2012-Summer-Man001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZJSQizs3EY/UHiFu8jbPiI/AAAAAAAAAGI/CQM9RO3YAJU/s320/2012-Summer-Man001.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcOKhFTbeOQ/UHiF5ShAcFI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/LGrmfATEsnM/s1600/2012-Summer-MediaMan001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcOKhFTbeOQ/UHiF5ShAcFI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/LGrmfATEsnM/s320/2012-Summer-MediaMan001.jpg" height="320" width="139" /></a></div><br />ON SCREEN:<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />Media Man</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">TV to go</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;">Boost your TV with an app.</span><br /><br />By Eric Kohanik<br /><br /><b>THESE DAYS, IT'S VIEWING ON THE GO.</b> Tablets and smartphones present a radical shift in media.<br /><br />A new study says 23 per cent of TV viewers between the ages of 18 and 34 tune in after buzz online through blogs, social media and apps. TV stars are getting in on the craze.<br /><br /><b>Ashton Kutcher</b> (<i><b>Two and a Half Men</b></i>) is a trailblazer in the Twittersphere. Last year, he moved the needle with a Twitter app (<b>aplusapp.com</b>) designed for desktops, laptops and mobile. <b>Adrien Grenier</b> (<b><i>Entourage</i></b>) is on the app bandwagon. His Reckless Adrien Grenier app (<b>app.net/reckless</b>) lets fans follow his every move.<br /><br />These ones are fun, frivolous and favourite. Here's a few to guide your programming or help steer you to stuff on your big screen at home. Some must-haves:<br /><br /><b>What's On TV? From Zap2it</b><br />Let's start with the basics: TV listings. Onscreen guides on your TV are cumbersome and not up-to-date. Zap2it is the mother of TV listings services and <b>What'sOn TV?</b> is a customizable mobile listings app for iPhones and iPads (available at the iTunes App Store). Zap2it also has a mobile listings site (<b>tvlistings.zap2it.com</b>) that works on all other web-enabled mobile devices without having to download an app at all.<br /><br /><b>IMDb Movies &amp; TV</b><br />The Internet Movie Database offers cast lists, production credits, trivia and loads of other information on almost every TV, movie and video production. IMDb's mobile site (available at <b>imdb.com/apps/</b>) serves up a version for almost every mobile platform.<br /><br /><b>Network TV Apps</b><br />Many popular shows are available from broadcasters who own rights to those shows in Canada. Among them: CTV (<b>ctv.ca</b>), CBC (<b>cbc.ca</b>), Global (<b>globaltv.com</b>) and Citytv (<b>citytv.com</b>). It's a tangled mess as to what apps are available for each platform. Check the mobile-services section of each network's website to see what's there.<br /><br /><b>Crackle - Movies &amp; TV&nbsp;</b><br />Unlike most American sites, Sony's free online video service is now making its library available to Canadians. It offers a changing selection of classic TV and movies. (<i><b>All in the Family</b></i>, <b><i>The Three Stooges</i></b>, <i><b>Sanford &amp; Son</b></i>, etc.) (Available for <b>Android</b> and <b>Apple IOS</b> through <b>Google Play</b> or the <b>iTunes App Store</b>, or through <b>crackle.com</b>.)<br /><br />And to help make TV viewing even better:<br /><br /><b>LCBO</b><br />This is a cool companion. Look up products, set favourites and even check inventory levels at the nearest store. (Available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad through the iTunes App Store or at <b>lcbo.com</b>.)<br /><br /><b>iHandy Level</b><br />These days, flat-screen TVS tend to be mounted on walls. Level on on the level is an app away with this free app. Available for iPhones, iPod Touch and iPad only. (Available through iTunes or at <b>ihandysoft.com</b>.)<br /><br />(First published in <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hamilton Man Magazine c/o The Hamilton Spectator</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span>- Summer 2012.)Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-82554592114766077182012-05-21T08:00:00.000-04:002014-04-28T15:15:16.787-04:00Here's to those Glen Abbey Sand Men<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VnJAmLcBJQ/U16aNoNbiMI/AAAAAAAAANs/IWL3Z-lzgRg/s1600/2012+-+On+Course+-+Glen+Abbey+Sandmen_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VnJAmLcBJQ/U16aNoNbiMI/AAAAAAAAANs/IWL3Z-lzgRg/s1600/2012+-+On+Course+-+Glen+Abbey+Sandmen_Page_1.jpg" height="92" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9eggicu0aM/U16aN01hBCI/AAAAAAAAAN8/UvXIVN7NMoY/s1600/2012+-+On+Course+-+Glen+Abbey+Sandmen_Page_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9eggicu0aM/U16aN01hBCI/AAAAAAAAAN8/UvXIVN7NMoY/s1600/2012+-+On+Course+-+Glen+Abbey+Sandmen_Page_2.jpg" height="640" width="203" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: 180%;">Glen Abbey Sand Men </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bunker crew hard at work rebuilding<br />all of Glen Abbey's sand traps</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Eric Kohanik&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in</style></span></span></span>It was a sunny Friday the 13<sup>th</sup>in April when <i>On Course</i> caught up with Chris Armatage and the hard-working bunker crew at ClubLink's Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Chris and crew members Rob Roy and Jordan DiGirolamo, along with Glen Abbey Assistant Superintendent Steve Spiers, were all busy getting the internal drainage lines set up just right inside one of the bunkers next to the eighth green. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />First, though, there was a layer of pea stone that needed to go into the channel that was dug for each drainage line. After the line was fitted precisely, another layer of pea stone was added on top. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The carefully executed process is just part of what has been an extensive renovation project that began last fall. The goal is to refurbish and rebuild all 94 sand traps at Glen Abbey. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“We began Sept. 7 and got 36 green-side bunkers done last fall,” explains Chris, who has been overseeing the project. Another eight green-side traps were left semi-complete over the winter before work on them geared up again in the spring. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“Our aim is to complete all of the green-side bunkers first and then move on to the fairway bunkers in May,” Chris says. “There are 50 of those!” </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Among the challenges facing the crew has been the condition of the “external outlets” – drainage lines that extend from the bunkers and run under fairways and cart paths in order to divert excess water to ponds and storm drains.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“If they're plugged, then we have a little more work to do,” Chris points out. “So far, there's been a half-dozen cases where we had to install new external outlets.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />One of the big tasks still ahead for Chris and his team will be the 17th and 18th holes at Glen Abbey.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Hole 17 boasts a total of 17 bunkers, while the collection of sand traps on the 18th hole includes the notorious Tiger Trap, the site of what still ranks as one of the greatest shots in golf history: Tiger Woods' 218-yard, six-iron shot in the final round of the 2000 Canadian Open. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />“It's going to be interesting with all the bunkers there,” Chris concedes. Nevertheless, he and his crew are ready and eager to tackle the challenge. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">(First published in <i>On Course</i> - Spring 2012.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686108.post-66832437358240838532011-12-29T13:37:00.014-05:002011-12-29T14:05:44.603-05:00Breath of fresh airwaves at CHCH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4GUQ0MlKb8/Tvy4IXhy2II/AAAAAAAAAFo/3tnJPshsYbM/s1600/20111105-HamiltonSpectator_Page_1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4GUQ0MlKb8/Tvy4IXhy2II/AAAAAAAAAFo/3tnJPshsYbM/s320/20111105-HamiltonSpectator_Page_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691626482983688322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KMi9gf6s_Y/Tvy4WxZcMII/AAAAAAAAAF0/ogrKLtaUxh4/s1600/20111105-HamiltonSpectator_Page_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KMi9gf6s_Y/Tvy4WxZcMII/AAAAAAAAAF0/ogrKLtaUxh4/s320/20111105-HamiltonSpectator_Page_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691626730446139522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImRvNFgp67I/Tvy4hukRoCI/AAAAAAAAAGA/tgvgSoBAnF4/s1600/20111105-HamiltonSpectator_Page_3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImRvNFgp67I/Tvy4hukRoCI/AAAAAAAAAGA/tgvgSoBAnF4/s320/20111105-HamiltonSpectator_Page_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691626918664839202" border="0" /></a><br />ON SCREEN:<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The resurgence of CHCH<br /></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ONLINE:</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />chch.com<br /></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Breath of fresh airwaves<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong>On the verge of extinction two years<br />ago, Hamilton's CHCH staked its<br />future on news. It was a good move.<br /></span><br />By Eric Kohanik<br /><p>The Jackson/Hunter Street home of Hamilton TV station CHCH seem a lot happier and more upbeat these days.</p><p>“It’s nice to be at a place now that is expanding and growing and hiring, rather than one that is imploding,” confides <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Wood</span>, a veteran on-air personality. “I’m very pleased to see it like that — and to be still a part of it.”</p><p>“There’s a big difference now,” echoes camera/microwave operator <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nick Garbutt</span>, another senior staff member. “It’s almost like the old days. Being independent again, decisions get made right away, here rather than at ‘corporate.’ Because this is ‘corporate’ now.”</p><p>It’s been a little more than two years since a small, relatively unknown Toronto-based media company named Channel Zero Inc. breathed new life into CHCH, bringing the beleaguered station back from the brink of broadcast extinction.</p><p>According to figures obtained from CHCH, the station has 141 full-time jobs on its payroll now, roughly a 20-per-cent increase from the 117 full-timers in 2009.<br /></p><p>Today, CHCH is healthy again, insists <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cal Millar</span>, Channel Zero’s president and chief operating officer.</p><p>“We’re really thrilled with how it’s going,” Millar explained during a recent telephone interview from his Toronto office. “The progress, over two years, has been fairly steady. It’s going well in terms of viewership.It’s going well in terms of the kind of programming we’re doing. It’s going well in terms of the team in Hamilton. It’s going well in terms of the new shows we’ve launched. It even went well in the digital transition, the million-dollar-plus investment we made in new transmitters across the province.”</p><p>Numbers from BBM, Canada’s ratings service, bear that out. CHCH’s 6 p.m. newscast often pulls in anywhere from 100,000 to 140,000 viewers per night in the Toronto-Hamilton extended market. Both the 6 p.m. and11 p.m. newscasts regularly beat out those from CBC, CP24 and Citytv. In fact, CHCH’s newscasts usually rank third, behind CTV and Global, and sometimes even outperform Global enough to land in second place.</p><p>And although the balance of CHCH’s schedule may not be breaking ratings records, the shows are managing to hold their own.</p><p>“We’re sustainable at this point,” says Millar. “Nobody’s getting rich over night, but we’re making money.”</p><p>The story of CHCH-TV has been one of tremendous ups and downs. “Lucky Channel 11” signed on the air in1954 as a CBC affiliate before becoming English Canada’s first independent station in 1961.</p><p>Building its fortunes and audience with a lot of local programming, the channel grew in popularity during the1960s and 1970s. In 1982, it expanded its horizons further, becoming a superstation distributed across Canada via satellite.</p><p>During the past two decades, increased competition and changes in ownership and on-air IDs — TV 11, ONtv, CH, E!, CHCH News — were accompanied by a steady stream of budget cuts and staff reductions that eventually gutted the station.</p><p>CHCH was on the verge of being shut down in 2009 when Channel Zero acquired it, along with Montreal’s CJNT-TV, from the bankrupt broadcasting division of what was then the Canwest media empire.The total cash price of the deal: $12 — which included an $11 price tag for CHCH.</p><p>“We had to pick a number for allocation purposes,” Millar recalls with a chuckle. “We thought it was so cool to buy Channel 11 for $11.”</p><p>In reality, the investment was substantially more. The deal saw Channel Zero assume the assets and, more significant, the considerable fiscal liabilities of both stations.</p><p>Sept. 1, 2009 the revamped CHCH was launched, with a new “Your Superstation” moniker and a new on-air look inspired by a logo from the past.</p><p>The relaunch also banked on a schedule heavily weighted with local news.</p><p>For the CHCH news team, it was an exhilarating vote of confidence.</p><p>“As you can imagine, there was a lot of excitement,” CHCH executive producer <span style="font-weight: bold;">John McKenna</span> said during an interview inside the station’s newsroom. “We were all thinking we were going to lose our jobs. Then, these guys came in and, suddenly, we were not an afterthought. We were the centre of their universe. Suddenly,we were important again.”</p><p>CHCH filled evening and weekend schedules with another throwback: classic movies that served as “comfort food” for viewers.<br /></p><p>Last season, CHCH expanded its lineup to include such American programs as <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Chuck</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Supernatural</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">60Minutes</span>, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">48 Hours Mystery</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">20/20</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jimmy Kimmel Live</span>. This fall, the American content grew some more with two new drama series — <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Hart Of Dixie</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Secret Circle</span> — along with <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Insider</span>, a nightly entertainment-news show.<br /></p><p>But CHCH has kept “comfort movies” as its evening/weekend centrepiece. It expanded local programming with this fall’s launch of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Morning Live First Edition</span>, a 90-minute show that hits the air weekdays at 4 a.m.</p><p>The new show means CHCH now airs 84 hours of local programming each week, a milestone the station trumpets as more hours than any other local television station in North America. Although ratings for <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Morning Live First Edition</span> are still minuscule — about 1,000 viewers each day — Millar is willing to be patient. After all, he says, CHCH’s resurrection has really been a simple process.</p><p>“My analogy for a long time was that CHCH was like a tiara that somebody had painted with green paint,”Millar quips. “People thought it was just a plastic throwaway for years.</p><p>“All we did was kind of peel the paint off and go, ‘Wow! A nice gem!’</p><p>“There is no reason CHCH can’t be the juggernaut it has been in the past.”<br /></p><p>The station’s overall reach certainly has that potential. As well as satellite distribution across Canada, CHCH has transmitters that beam its now-digital signal directly over the air into such markets as Ottawa, Windsor, London, Barrie-Orillia and Kitchener-Waterloo.</p><p>“We are in four million homes across Ontario and 7.5 million homes across Canada.</p><p>“But we also haven’t forgotten our roots. It’s a Hamilton station. It’s relevant from the Humber River to the Niagara River. If you want to call that the Golden Horseshoe, go ahead. But it’s centred on Hamilton.”<br /></p>(First published in <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hamilton Spectator</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span>- November 5, 2011.)Eric Kohanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785644912643893658noreply@blogger.com